Twins' momentum halted by Padres on the road

Aug 22, 2026; San Diego, California, USA; Minnesota Twins relief pitcher Andrew Morris (78) throws a pitch during the seventh inning against the San Diego Padres at Petco Park. Mandatory Credit: David Frerker-Imagn Images

Twins' momentum halted by Padres on the road

Originally posted on Bring Me The Sports
By Tony Liebert | Last updated Aug 23, 2026 9:25 AM ET

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After a statement sweep against the Braves at home, the Twins have not had the same success this weekend against the Padres on the road. A frustrating loss on Saturday night marked their second straight defeat against San Diego. Here’s how it happened.

A leadoff homer from Luke Keaschall set the tone for Brooks Lee and Kaelen Cullpepper to launch back-to-back home runs in the second inning. The Twins took an early 3-0 lead, and Padres starting pitcher Case Mize was replaced after just 2.2 innings.

Dean Kremer had a decent outing for the Twins. He allowed three hits and two earned runs in 5.1 innings of work. Minnesota carried a 5-1 lead into the sixth inning, but a brutal fielding error from Cullpepper in the seventh inning is where the momentum seemed to shift.

Just no reason to risk the throw to third in this situation. Learning moment for Culpepper but a brutal time for it. https://t.co/LHPmMENW15
— Will Ragatz (@WillRagatz) August 23, 2026

Andrew Morris allowed three hits and three earned runs on just 19 pitches. Minnesota’s commanding lead quickly disappeared, and they failed to recover.

The Twins failed to get a single player on base in the last two innings, and San Diego cruised to a 7-5 win. A red-hot start at the plate resulted in one of the most frustrating losses of the season.

Now 63-67, Minnesota is still just 4.5 games out of first place in the American League Central, and one game out of a wildcard spot, but time is running out. They will look to turn things around during Sunday’s series finale against the Padres before heading north to play the Athletics.

This article first appeared on Bring Me The Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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