The Twins topped the Dodgers 3-2 on July 23, 2025, after Harrison Bader's clutch RBI single and a gem from Chris Paddack. Recap the gritty win in LA.
StatPro MLB Beat Reporter
In a classic nail-biter at Dodger Stadium, the Minnesota Twins showed their resilience, scratching and clawing their way to a hard-fought 3-2 win over the Los Angeles Dodgers. It wasn't a game won with a thunderous blast in the ninth, but with grit, timely hitting, and a gutsy infield single from Harrison Bader in the eighth inning that proved to be the difference maker.
Chris Paddack was masterful, going 6 innings with 7 strikeouts and only 1 earned run against the potent Dodgers lineup.
The game's pivotal moment came in the top of the eighth. With the score knotted at 2-2, Brooks Lee worked his way on base, setting the stage for Harrison Bader. Bader didn't crush one into the bleachers; instead, he hit a chopper and busted it down the line for an infield single, bringing Lee home for the go-ahead run. It was a perfect display of the high-hustle baseball Bader brings to the team and the decisive play in a tight contest. The Twins' defense then slammed the door, turning a crucial double play in the bottom of the frame to squash a Dodgers rally.
Before the late-game drama, the story was the pitcher's duel. Starter Chris Paddack was absolutely dealing, keeping the high-powered Dodgers offense in check for six masterful innings. He allowed just one run on five hits while fanning seven batters. The Twins' offense found its early spark from the usual suspect, Royce Lewis, who blasted a solo shot in the third inning to tie the game at 1-1. It was another reminder of how Lewis can change the game with a single swing.
With the lead secured, the ball was handed to Jhoan Duran, who calmly shut down the Dodgers in the ninth for his 18th save of the season. The bullpen got a fresh arm just before the game, with RHP Travis Adams recalled from St. Paul to provide depth on this long West Coast trip. The move comes as the pitching staff navigates some key injuries. RHP David Festa was placed on the 15-day IL with shoulder inflammation, but there's good news on the horizon: RHP Bailey Ober is nearing a return after a successful rehab start, which would be a massive boost for the starting rotation.
This win against a top-tier team like the Dodgers is more than just a notch in the 'W' column; it's a massive confidence booster. At 50-52, the Twins are still fighting to climb back into contention, and victories like this one are exactly what they need. With the trade deadline fast approaching and key players like Ober getting healthy, the next week will be critical in shaping the rest of the season. Let's see if they can carry this momentum through the rest of the series in LA.
