The Metrodome was known for the majority of its existence as the “Homerdome” when the Twins played there, due to the frequency with which baseballs tended to leave the yard. While the Twins have continued to hit, as evidenced by their MLB-leading .277 batting average, Target Field seems to have drained the team of its power. Danny Valencia’s three-run blast against the Athletics today was Minnesota’s 45th of the season at Target Field.
↵However, the lack of home runs at home hasn’t affected their ability to win, as their victory today was their 49th of the year at home.
↵According to ESPN’s Sports and Information department, if the Twins continue their current home run “pace,” they’ll be only the third team in the last 80 years to win 50 games at home while hitting less than 50 home runs in their first season in a new ballpark. The last time it happened was 1979, when the Houston Astros won 52 home games despite only hitting 49 home runs in the cavernous Astrodome.
↵The Twins have hit 83 home runs in the games they’ve played away from Target Field this season.