Byron Buxton’s Aggressiveness Sparks Twins Victory Over Mets

MINNEAPOLIS, Minn. — Byron Buxton‘s renewed aggressiveness on the basepaths played a pivotal role in the Minnesota Twins‘ 5-3 victory over the New York Mets on Tuesday at Target Field. Buxton, despite struggling at the plate with a .215 batting average, showcased his speed and baseball instincts, scoring three runs and putting pressure on the Mets’ defense throughout the game.

Buxton’s presence on the bases has proven to be invaluable this season. With 20 times on base and 15 runs scored, he boasts an impressive 75% scoring rate. “When Byron’s on base, you feel there’s a better chance of us scoring,” said Twins manager Rocco Baldelli. “His speed and aggressiveness add a whole new dynamic that we’ve been missing at times.” However, managing Buxton’s health remains a concern, as he has dealt with knee injuries that stem from his high-energy playing style.

In another significant development for the Twins, Yunior Severino continued his journey in the minor leagues. Once a highly regarded top-30 prospect, Severino has struggled with consistency and currently plays in Triple-A. He displayed power in 2023, hitting 35 home runs split between Double-A Wichita and Triple-A St. Paul but has faced challenges maintaining trust with the coaching staff. Dreams of his potential remind Twins fans of the importance of player development.

The game also fell on Jackie Robinson Day, a day commemorating the legacy of the civil rights icon and breaking barriers in baseball. This timing accentuated the Twins’ performance and reminded fans of the sport’s rich history.

Starting pitcher Bailey Ober struggled early, allowing a home run to the Mets’ Juan Soto in the first inning. However, Ober settled in, pitching 6.1 innings with three earned runs, and ultimately secured the win. “It was a rough start, but I focused on getting ahead in the count and competing with every batter,” Ober said post-game.

In the bottom of the third inning, the Twins began their comeback against Mets starter Tylor Megill, who entered the game with a stellar ERA. Buxton’s single and subsequent stolen base helped set up a crucial play where Francisco Lindor mishandled a grounder, allowing Ty France to score and tie the game at 1-1.

At the other end of the lineup, Ryan Jeffers showcased his resurgence with a double and a two-run home run that contributed to the Twins’ lead. Despite striking out at crucial moments, Jeffers’ timely hitting has improved, reflecting confidence in his abilities. “It’s good to feel like I’m back in the groove, helping the team contribute,” Jeffers commented.

As injuries plagued the Twins’ roster, with Carlos Correa leaving the game in the fifth inning due to a wrist injury, the team showcased its resilience. Players like Keirsey and Julien stepped up, with Julien driving a key single that ultimately increased the Twins’ lead to 5-2. The Twins bullpen held strong, navigating through the Mets’ lineup with a mix of strategies.

Duran closed the game with a powerful performance, clocking pitches at 102 mph while securing his first save of the season. “After a tough outing, I just focused on executing my pitches and trusting my stuff,” Duran explained post-game.

Looking ahead, the Twins are poised to capture their first home series of the season on Wednesday afternoon. With the first pitch against the Mets scheduled for 12:10 PM CDT, the Twins remain hopeful for continued success as they navigate the challenges of the season.