Tigers starter Justin Verlander has five strikeouts through three innings, making him two shy of the 2,000-strikeout milestone. The only other Tiger in franchise history to reach 2,000 strikeouts was Mickey Lolich (1963-75), who posted 2,679.
The Tigers lead 1-0 entering the bottom of the third.
One night after going 0-for-9 with runners in scoring position, the Twins continued their bad habit when Miguel Sano struck out to strand a runner at second base to end the third inning.
Verlander relinquished two singles in the top of the third to catcher Kurt Suzuki (.219) and shortstop Eduardo Nunez (.