Yankees Overpower Twins 8-1; Fried Earns First Win Since April as Bellinger and Jones Go Deep
Published · Updated
Cited: ESPN, MLB.com, Star Tribune
TL;DR
In a decisive 8-1 victory at Target Field on Tuesday night, the New York Yankees rode a dominant start from Max Fried and home runs by Cody Bellinger and Spencer Jones to stay within striking distance of the AL East lead. The win also highlighted a concerning slide for the Minnesota Twins, who fell to 70-81 and lost rookie shortstop Kaelen Culpepper to injury.
Why now
In a decisive 8-1 victory at Target Field on Tuesday night, the New York Yankees rode a dominant start from Max Fried and home runs by Cody Bellinger and Spencer Jones to stay within striking distance of the AL East lead. The win also highlighted a concerning slide for the Minnesota Twins, who fell to 70-81 and lost rookie shortstop Kaelen Culpepper to injury.
Agree / conflict
Max Fried finally wins again: Fried (5-4) earned his first victory since April 27, allowing just one run over seven innings with 88 pitches. He has a 1.83 ERA in nine starts since the All-Star break after missing 71 games with elbow bone bruise.,Cody Bellinger stays hot: Bellinger went 3-for-4 with a two-run homer in the first inning and is batting .377 (26-for-69) over his last 17 games.,Spencer Jones adds insurance: Jones crushed a three-run homer in the sixth inning, his 10th of the year, after a fielding error by Twins rookie Kaelen Culpepper made all four runs in the inning unearned.,Twins injury and slide: Rookie SS Kaelen Culpepper left the game with left hamstring tightness. The Twins have lost 16 of their last 23 games.,Yankees depth on display: With Aaron Judge resting, the Yankees still pounded out 14 hits. New York has 11 players with 10+ homers this season.,Looking ahead: The series concludes Wednesday with LHP Carlos Rodón (6-3, 2.94 ERA) for the Yankees against rookie RHP Zebby Matthews (9-10, 4.98 ERA), who struck out eight Yankees in his start the next day (September 16).
Takeaway
For Yankees fans: Max Fried looks like a legitimate postseason weapon again. His command and efficiency (1.83 ERA since the break) make him a key piece in October. The lineup’s depth means they can win even when Judge rests.,For Twins fans: The team is in rebuild mode. Injuries to young players like Culpepper hurt, but watching Zebby Matthews strike out 8 Yankees offers a glimpse of a brighter future. Focus on the development of rookies.,Fantasy baseball players: Pick up hot hitters like Bellinger (.377 in last 17) and monitor Fried’s health. Matthews is a risky streamer but has high strikeout upside against weak lineups.,General baseball fan: This game shows how competitive the AL East is and how far the Twins have fallen. The Yankees’ power approach is a preview of what playoff baseball will look like.
Max Fried finally wins again: Fried (5-4) earned his first victory since April 27, allowing just one run over seven innings with 88 pitches. He has a 1.83 ERA in nine starts since the All-Star break after missing 71 games with elbow bone bruise.,Cody Bellinger stays hot: Bellinger went 3-for-4 with a two-run homer in the first inning and is batting .377 (26-for-69) over his last 17 games.,Spencer Jones adds insurance: Jones crushed a three-run homer in the sixth inning, his 10th of the year, after a fielding error by Twins rookie Kaelen Culpepper made all four runs in the inning unearned.,Twins injury and slide: Rookie SS Kaelen Culpepper left the game with left hamstring tightness. The Twins have lost 16 of their last 23 games.,Yankees depth on display: With Aaron Judge resting, the Yankees still pounded out 14 hits. New York has 11 players with 10+ homers this season.,Looking ahead: The series concludes Wednesday with LHP Carlos Rodón (6-3, 2.94 ERA) for the Yankees against rookie RHP Zebby Matthews (9-10, 4.98 ERA), who struck out eight Yankees in his start the next day (September 16).
### A bounce-back night for Max Fried Max Fried’s journey back from a bone bruise in his elbow has been long. He missed 71 games over two stints, but Tuesday’s outing marked his longest start in nearly five months. The left-hander’s ability to work seven efficient innings is crucial for a Yankees rotation that will rely on him in October. With the Yankees holding a wild-card spot and trailing the Rays by 3.5 games, Fried’s resurgence could be the difference between a division title and a play-in game.
### Bellinger’s resurgence and Yankees’ offensive depth The Yankees have been one of the most feared lineups in baseball, and Tuesday was a showcase of their depth. Without Aaron Judge (rest day), Cody Bellinger (16 HR) and Spencer Jones (10 HR) stepped up. Bellinger’s .377 hot streak over 17 games is a positive sign for a player who was inconsistent earlier in the season. The fact that New York has 11 players with double-digit homers speaks to a roster built for power.
### Twins’ struggles mount The Twins (70-81) look headed for a losing season after a promising start. Injuries have ravaged the roster, and the latest blow is rookie shortstop Kaelen Culpepper’s hamstring issue. Minnesota has lost 16 of its last 23 games, and with a young core still developing, the front office faces tough decisions this offseason.
### Zebby Matthews flashes potential (September 16 game) The following day, rookie right-hander Zebby Matthews struck out eight Yankees over six innings, showing the kind of strikeout stuff that gives Twins fans hope. Matthews (9-10, 4.98 ERA) has endured growing pains but his ability to miss bats against a powerful New York lineup is encouraging for Minnesota’s future rotation plans. However, the Twins lost that game as well, falling 8-1 (the same score as Game 2).
Do you think Max Fried can be the ace the Yankees need in the playoffs? Can the Twins build around young arms like Zebby Matthews? Share this article with fellow baseball fans and let us know your thoughts on social media!
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FAQ
When did Max Fried last win before September 15, 2026?
Fried’s previous win came on April 27, 2026. He missed 71 games due to a bone bruise in his elbow and made several rehab starts before returning to form in the second half.
How many home runs have the Yankees hit this season?
The Yankees have 11 players with 10 or more homers, showcasing their power depth. Cody Bellinger (16) and Spencer Jones (10) both went deep in this game.
What is Kaelen Culpepper’s injury?
Twins rookie shortstop Kaelen Culpepper left the game with left hamstring tightness. The severity is not yet known, but it adds to a difficult stretch for Minnesota.
Who are the starting pitchers for the final game of the series?
The Yankees will start LHP Carlos Rodón (6-3, 2.94 ERA) and the Twins will counter with RHP Zebby Matthews (9-10, 4.98 ERA). Matthews struck out eight Yankees in that game.
What are the Yankees’ playoff chances?
The Yankees (88-63) are 3.5 games behind Tampa Bay in the AL East and have clinched at least a wild-card spot. Their remaining schedule will determine if they win the division or settle for a play-in series.
Sources
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