MINNEAPOLIS — In a spectacular display of power, Byron Buxton smashed a 479-foot homer, propelling the Minnesota Twins to a 6-2 victory over the Texas Rangers on Wednesday night. This massive hit stands as the second-farthest home run in the major leagues this season.
Buxton’s three-run homer, launched against starting pitcher Jack Leiter (4-3), was the longest in his career, eclipsing all of his previous 144 home runs and offering the Twins a 3-2 advantage during the third inning. The sole home run farther this year was a 484-foot shot by Mike Trout from the Los Angeles Angels back in April.
Besides the home run, Buxton was a force to be reckoned with, tallying three hits and a stolen base. His incredible performance also included a stunning defensive play that enthralled the audience. Racing to left-center field, Buxton managed a diving catch to thwart Marcus Semien from potentially driving in two runs, ending the top of the third inning to the delight of the hometown fans.
Adding to Minnesota’s offense, Willi Castro drove in two runs with a triple in the fifth inning, and later crossed home plate on Carlos Correa’s impressive ground-rule double. David Festa (1-1) showcased a strong performance on the mound, permitting two runs on three hits across six innings, which matched the longest outing of his career.
On the opposing side, Jack Leiter struggled, enduring just four innings where he relinquished four runs and five hits while issuing four walks. Texas’s Marcus Semien delivered a home run in the second inning while Josh Smith contributed an RBI double in the third.
Buxton’s defensive prowess in the third inning proved crucial, as the dynamic catch prevented both Texas runners on base from scoring and potentially altering the game’s outcome. Ty France and Brooks Lee extended their streaks with France reaching base for the 22nd consecutive game and Lee stretching his hitting streak to 11 games.
Looking forward, the series will conclude with Texas’s left-hander Patrick Corbin (3-5, 3.52 ERA) hoping to secure a win after a stretch of nearly a month without one. Minnesota’s Bailey Ober (4-2, 3.78 ERA) will be taking the mound, aiming to improve from his previous outing where he allowed five runs.