The Minnesota Twins kicked off their series against the San Francisco Giants with a solid 3–1 victory at Target Field on Friday, May 9, 2025. A standout performance from starting pitcher Chris Paddack helped the Twins secure the win and build momentum heading into the weekend doubleheader in the Giants vs Twins series.
Chris Paddack was the star of the night, carrying a perfect game into the sixth inning and finishing with seven strong innings of one-run baseball. His command and control were impeccable, keeping the Giants' offense in check and setting the tone early in the Giants vs Twins series. Paddack allowed just one hit through five innings before San Francisco’s Christian Koss broke the perfect game with a single in the sixth.
The Twins' offense wasted no time establishing their presence. In the bottom of the first inning, Byron Buxton led off with a triple and scored on Trevor Larnach’s RBI single, putting Minnesota up 1–0. The team extended its lead in the fourth when Carlos Correa drove in another run with a single. Buxton struck again in the fifth with an RBI single of his own, giving the Twins a 3–0 cushion in the Giants vs Twins game.
The Giants responded in the seventh inning with a solo home run from Matt Chapman, his eighth of the season. Despite this late spark, the Giants were unable to mount a full comeback. The Twins' bullpen remained solid, with Danny Coulombe pitching a scoreless ninth to earn the save and seal the victory in the Giants vs Twins contest.
With this win, the Twins continued their strong form, having gone 6-4 in their last 10 games. Their offense is clicking, and their pitching—highlighted by a team ERA of 2.79—is proving to be a major asset in the Giants vs Twins series. The Giants, also 6-4 in their last 10, are looking to rebound in the next games of the series.
Fans won’t have to wait long for more action in the Giants vs Twins series. Game 2 is set for Saturday, May 10, at 7:15 p.m. ET and will be broadcast nationally on FOX. The series finale on Sunday, May 11, will begin at 2:10 p.m. ET and will be shown on MNNT and NBC Sports Bay Area. Both games will be available for streaming on FuboTV, though regional restrictions may apply.
Key players to watch as the Giants vs Twins series continues include Byron Buxton for the Twins—who remains a force at the top of the lineup—and Jung Hoo Lee for the Giants, who has been consistent all season with a .301 batting average.
As the Giants vs Twins series progresses, the Twins aim to clinch the series victory, while the Giants will look to regroup and turn the tide. With playoff aspirations on the line, the remaining games promise more thrilling baseball for fans across the country.
