MINNEAPOLIS — Bailey Ober delivered an impressive performance over six innings to secure his second consecutive victory as the Minnesota Twins defeated the Chicago White Sox with a 4-2 score on Tuesday night. Trevor Larnach contributed significantly with a two-run homer, while Byron Buxton made a spectacular diving catch to conclude the game.
In a tense ninth inning, the White Sox managed to load the bases through an infield single and a pair of walks against Twins closer Jhoan Duran. However, Duran maintained composure, allowing only one run. The save, his second consecutive one, was secured when center fielder Buxton made a remarkable leap at the warning track in right-center, catching Andrew Benintendi’s line drive with runners placed on second and third.
Ober (2-1) had a solid outing, conceding just a single run across eight hits and registering six strikeouts. Recovering from an initial outing where he gave up eight runs in less than three innings, Ober has since limited opposing teams to six runs over his last four starts, pitching a total of 22 1/3 innings.
Rookie Luke Keaschall, just four games into his MLB career since his recall, displayed agility and effectiveness. He achieved a single, drew two walks, stole two bases, and scored twice for Minnesota. This performance aided in halting the Twins’ recent three-game losing streak. Larnach’s homer, his second of the season, came after Keaschall walked and stole second in the eighth inning.
Chicago’s pitcher Davis Martin (1-3) had an uneventful night despite not conceding any earned runs over five innings. He allowed three hits and three walks. Rookie catcher Edgar Quero, in only his sixth major league appearance, notched a career-high with three hits for the White Sox. Unfortunately for Chicago, this game marked their eighth loss in nine games, worsening their season record to 5-18.
A crucial play unfolded in the third inning when Keaschall scored the go-ahead run. The opportunity arose as Quero’s throw to first base struck Larnach, who had hit a soft grounder near the plate. This was one of two errors committed by the White Sox, with Keaschall advancing home from second.
This game continued a troubling trend for Chicago, now standing at 1-10 away from home this season and 1-9 against AL Central opponents. In their last 25 encounters with the Twins, Chicago has endured a lopsided 3-22 record, being outscored 157-83. Additionally, the White Sox have now lost 13 consecutive games at Target Field.
Looking ahead, Minnesota’s rookie right-hander David Festa (0-0, 0.00 ERA) is set to make his third start of the season. Meanwhile, the White Sox have yet to reveal their starting pitcher for the upcoming game.