Buxton Completes Cycle on Bobblehead Day as Twins Dominate Pirates 12-4

Byron Buxton made history on Saturday, hitting for the cycle during his bobblehead day as the Minnesota Twins triumphed over the Pittsburgh Pirates with a score of 12-4. The All-Star center fielder capped off his remarkable feat with a solo home run in the seventh inning, igniting excitement among the fans at Target Field.

Buxton's journey began with a single in the first inning, followed by a triple in the second and a double in the third. After another single in the fifth, he stepped up to the plate in the seventh, aiming to achieve the first cycle at Target Field since its opening in 2010.

Against Pirates reliever Andrew Heaney, Buxton launched a 427-foot homer to center field, completing his cycle and sending the crowd into a frenzy. The timing was impeccable, coinciding with the day's giveaway: a bobblehead commemorating Buxton's signature "Buck Truck" home run celebration.

This home run came just two days ahead of the Home Run Derby, where Buxton is set to compete in his home state of Georgia at Truist Park in Atlanta.

Kody Clemens contributed significantly to the Twins' offensive explosion, hitting a three-run homer during a six-run second inning. Matt Wallner and Willi Castro also added to the scoreboard with solo homers, Castro's coming immediately after Buxton's momentous shot.

On the mound, Cole Sands delivered two hitless innings as Minnesota's starting pitcher. Reliever Travis Adams (1-0) allowed two hits and two runs—one unearned—over four innings, securing his first career win in just his second major league appearance.

Pirates starter Mike Burrows (1-3) struggled, recording only four outs before being pulled from the game, marking his shortest outing of the season. Jack Suwinski managed to hit a home run for the Pirates, who are now on an eight-game losing streak.

While Buxton's cycle was undoubtedly the highlight of the game, it was Clemens' early blast that set the tone for the Twins' offensive onslaught in the second inning. With this achievement, Buxton became the 12th player in Twins history to hit for the cycle.

Looking ahead, RHP Mitch Keller (3-10, 3.58 ERA) is slated to start for Pittsburgh in their final game before the All-Star break. Meanwhile, RHP Simeon Woods Richardson (5-4, 4.08) will take the mound for the Twins on Sunday.