MINNEAPOLIS — Byron Buxton delivered two major plays over two nights, helping the Minnesota Twins secure back-to-back victories against the Chicago White Sox.
On Tuesday, Buxton ended a tense game with a spectacular catch. The Twins led the White Sox 4-2 in the ninth inning. Pitcher Jhoan Duran faced a dangerous rally. Andrew Benintendi hit a hard line drive toward deep right-center field. Buxton raced across the outfield. He covered 78 feet in 4.4 seconds. Buxton dove and caught the ball just above the warning track. The catch saved the win. Bailey Ober pitched effectively before the ninth. The victory ended a three-game losing streak for the Twins. Benintendi said he knew Buxton would make the play once he saw the jump. Twins players called the catch incredible.
Fans looking to Google Baseball and find clips of the game saw remarkable defensive and offensive plays from the Twins center fielder.
Buxton helped again Wednesday night. In the 6-3 victory over the White Sox, Buxton hit a key home run. Trevor Larnach hit a solo homer in the sixth inning. That put the Twins ahead 4-3. Buxton came up in the seventh. He hit a two-run shot. The ball went 414 feet to left-center field. That made the score 6-3. It was Buxton’s first hit of the night after three strikeouts.
The Twins offense generated many chances against the White Sox pitching staff. They had 12 hits and six walks. They also had two hit batters. Despite having many runners, the Twins left a season-high 13 men on base. Manager Rocco Baldelli noted the team kept pushing through stranding runners. Brooks Lee had a sharp single in the fifth inning to tie the game before the homers. Luke Keaschall stole two bases in the Wednesday game. Keaschall matched an MLB record with five steals in his first five career games.
Twins starter David Festa allowed two runs in the fifth inning. Justin Topa earned the win pitching the sixth. Danny Coulombe got the save in the ninth inning. Chicago starter Bryse Wilson pitched 2 2/3 innings. Jordan Leasure took the loss.
Shane Smith will pitch for the White Sox today. The Twins send Chris Paddack to the mound looking for a series win.
Reflecting on the game-ending catch Tuesday, Buxton said, "To be able to have something fall our way, it was fun."
