MINNEAPOLIS — A dynamic duo, Byron Buxton and Trevor Larnach, powered the Minnesota Twins to a triumphant 6-3 victory over the Chicago White Sox on Wednesday evening. Larnach launched a solo home run in the sixth inning, marking his second consecutive game with a homer, stretching Minnesota’s lead to 4-3. Meanwhile, Buxton solidified the win with a thrilling two-run homer in the seventh, helping the Twins claim their second consecutive victory in the series.
The White Sox managed all three of their runs in the fifth inning. A wild pitch accounted for one, while a fielding error by second baseman Luke Keaschall contributed another. The Twins promptly responded in their half of the inning; Brooks Lee’s sharply hit single drove in Ty France, knotting the score.
David Festa took the mound for the Twins and was removed after facing just two batters in the fifth inning, continuing a trend of early exits in his starts. This outing marked the first time this season he gave up runs, conceding two on four hits and three walks across his short stint.
Reliever Justin Topa (1-1) seized victory by working through the sixth inning, while Danny Coulombe closed out the game in the ninth to collect his first save of the season.
On the Chicago side, Bryse Wilson made his first start of the year following nine relief appearances this season. Exiting after throwing 55 pitches across 2 2/3 innings, Wilson conceded one run on five hits. The loss was charged to Jordan Leasure (0-1).
A pivotal moment unfolded when Buxton, after enduring an 0-4 night with three strikeouts, homered off Cam Booser on the first pitch he encountered in the seventh, sending the ball on a 414-foot journey over the left-center field wall.
Luke Keaschall showcased his speed on the bases, stealing two bags to bring his total to five stolen bases through the first five games of his career, tying a major league record.
Looking ahead, Chicago’s Shane Smith (0-1, 2.82 ERA) will attempt to prevent a series sweep against the Twins, while Minnesota will depend on Chris Paddack (0-2, 7.27), whose previous no-decision marked his best start of the year.