Minnesota Twins pitcher Taj Bradley threw the first immaculate inning in franchise history during a game on Tuesday night [1, 2].
The achievement marks a rare milestone for the organization, as an immaculate inning requires a pitcher to strike out all three batters using only nine pitches [3].
Bradley reached the mark on Aug. 25, 2026, while facing the Oakland Athletics [4, 5]. The feat occurred as Bradley attempted to halt an Athletics rally after the opposing team had established a two-run lead in the second inning [2].
Despite the historic performance, the Twins lost the contest with a final score of 4-2 [4]. Bradley remained a dominant force throughout the game, recording a total of 11 strikeouts [6].
The immaculate inning is one of the most difficult achievements for a pitcher in professional baseball. It requires absolute precision and efficiency, leaving no room for balls or fouls that would extend the pitch count beyond nine [3].
Bradley's performance provided a bright spot for Minnesota in a game where the team struggled to overcome the lead established by Oakland [2, 4]. The Athletics' victory was supported by a strong outing from Gage Jump and a home run from Carlos Cortes [4].
“Taj Bradley threw the first immaculate inning in franchise history”
While the Minnesota Twins suffered a loss, the recording of their first immaculate inning adds a significant piece of statistical history to the franchise. The rarity of the event highlights Bradley's current peak form, though the team's inability to capitalize on such pitching efficiency suggests a struggle in offensive production during this series.
