The Tigers smacked six home runs, including three by Willie Horton (seven for the season). Ron LeFlore hit two homers and Leon Roberts belted one as the Tigers set season records for runs scored and hits (20).
It was a bad night for Minnesota pitching, especially for starter Mike Pazik and Bill Butler, who relieved Pazik during an eight run uprising in the fourth inning.
By the end of the fourth, the Tigers led 11-1 and had outhit the Twins, 14-3.
And the Tigers weren't done.
They hit everything the Twins pitchers threw to the plate, and hard. Especially Horton.
The Tigers DH hit three home runs in one game for the first time since June 9, 1970 against the Brewers at Tiger Stadium.
Tonight, it seemed as if each home run was more majestic than the last. Horton connected in the third, fourth and sixth innings.
"Just one of them nights," Horton said afterward, shrugging. "The ball doesn't always carry good here, but sometimes it does. This was one of those nights."
LeFlore had a big night, too. The speedster hit two homers, a triple and a single and is 24-for-56 (.429) over his past 13 games.
"This was definitely fun," LeFlore said. "It was like we all knew everyone was going to get into the act. We have the talent. Tonight we showed it."
The benefactor of all the offense was Joe Coleman, who pitched eight innings and enjoyed the support.
"I wouldn't say it was easy, but it's nice to have breathing room," Coleman (3-4) said. "That way I can just try to make pitches and not worry as much about making a mistake."
Coleman scattered seven hits and was never in any real trouble.
The Tigers snapped a two-game losing streak and are 2-2 on their nine-game road trip.
"As a manager, you'd like to bottle some of this for tomorrow," said Ralph Houk. "But on the other hand it was good to see the boys have fun and gain some confidence. This was a long time coming," he added about the outburst.
Of Horton, Houk said, "Willie, and I'm not just saying this---and I managed (Mickey) Mantle and (Elston) Howard and (Moose) Skowron---he's the strongest man I've ever seen in this game. You saw evidence of that tonight."
Three home run strong, on this night.
Notes: Nate Colbert even got into the act, with a couple singles...Houk lifted 2B Gary Sutherland and catcher Bill Freehan in the eighth for kids John Knox and Gene Lamont, respectively...Roberts (.365) batted third for the first time this season...The Tigers raised their team BA from .274 to .280 thanks to their 20-hit uprising...The six home runs were the most for the Tigers in one game since they also hit six in June, 1968.
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Tigers record: 14-17 (actual 15-16)
Home: 7-11
Away: 7-6
Last 10: 5-5
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