Buxton's 479-Foot Blast Leads Twins to Victory Over Rangers
Byron Buxton's bat spoke volumes Wednesday night as he sent a 479-foot home run soaring, marking the second-longest homer in Major League Baseball this season. This powerful hit propelled the Minnesota Twins to a 6-2 victory over the Texas Rangers.
The three-run blast, which came off Texas starter Jack Leiter, not only gave the Twins a crucial 3-2 lead in the third inning but also represented Buxton's longest home run in his career, surpassing his previous best. The only longer home run this season belongs to Mike Trout of the Angels, who hit a 484-foot shot back on April 19.
Buxton's performance didn't stop at the plate; he also showcased his defensive prowess. Just moments before his monumental homer, he executed a spectacular diving catch in left-center, robbing Marcus Semien of a hit and earning a standing ovation from the home crowd. This catch was critical, as it prevented potential runs from scoring with two runners on base.
Adding to the Twins' offensive surge, Willi Castro contributed a two-run triple in the fifth inning, later scoring on Carlos Correa's ground-rule double, further extending Minnesota's lead.
On the mound, David Festa delivered a solid performance, allowing two runs and three hits over six innings, matching his longest outing in the majors. In contrast, Leiter struggled, lasting only four innings while giving up four runs on five hits and four walks.
For Texas, Semien managed to hit a home run in the second inning, while Josh Smith added an RBI double in the third. However, these efforts were not enough to keep pace with the Twins.
Buxton's contributions were pivotal not just for their offensive impact but also for their defensive significance. Had he not made that diving catch, the game could have taken a different turn with Texas threatening to score.
In other notable performances, Ty France extended his on-base streak to a career-high 22 games with a single in the fifth inning. Meanwhile, Brooks Lee continued his hitting streak, now at 11 games, with a double in the third.
Looking ahead, Texas will send left-hander Patrick Corbin (3-5, 3.52 ERA) to the mound for the series finale, seeking his first win in nearly a month. The Twins will counter with right-hander Bailey Ober (4-2, 3.78), who is looking to bounce back after allowing five runs in his last outing.
