Byron Buxton’s Extra-Inning Heroics Secure Twins’ Dramatic 2-1 Win Over Guardians
CLEVELAND — Byron Buxton delivered a clutch performance Saturday night, driving in the winning run with an 11th-inning double to propel the Minnesota Twins to a hard-fought 2-1 victory over the Cleveland Guardians. The dramatic win snapped Cleveland’s three-game winning streak and showcased Buxton’s continued dominance at the plate.
The game-winning moment came in the top of the 11th, when Buxton smashed a double off the left-center field wall, scoring automatic runner Matt Wallner. It was Buxton’s second RBI of the night, following his leadoff home run in the first inning—his 22nd career leadoff homer—off Guardians starter Tanner Bibee. Despite a quiet night overall for both teams’ offenses, with each managing just two hits, Buxton’s timely heroics proved decisive.
Minnesota’s bullpen also played a critical role in the victory. Reliever Eric Orze navigated high-pressure situations in the ninth and 10th innings, escaping bases-loaded jams in both frames. Luis García then shut the door in the 11th, earning his first save of the season.
For Cleveland, the loss was a tough pill to swallow. The Guardians had multiple opportunities to secure the win, including loading the bases twice late in the game, but they struggled to capitalize. Rule 5 Draft pick Peyton Pallette took the loss, allowing one unearned run over two innings.
The Guardians’ lone run came in the fourth inning when José Ramírez singled, stole second base, and scored on Kyle Manzardo’s RBI single. Twins starter Joe Ryan delivered a solid performance, surrendering just two hits over six innings.
Tanner Bibee, despite the loss, turned in a strong outing for Cleveland, striking out a season-high nine batters in six innings. However, a defensive miscue in the sixth inning—when Bibee collided with catcher Austin Hedges on a popup by Brooks Lee—proved costly. Hedges dropped the ball, allowing Lee to reach second base, though the Twins failed to capitalize on the error.
The game’s start was delayed by two hours and six minutes due to heavy thunderstorms, adding to the tense atmosphere. When play finally resumed, fans were treated to a pitching duel and a nail-biting finish.
Buxton’s recent surge has been a bright spot for Minnesota. With 13 home runs in his last 23 games, he’s just two homers shy of MLB leaders Aaron Judge and Munetaka Murakami. However, the Twins’ struggles against Cleveland continue, as they’ve now lost 40 of their last 60 matchups with the Guardians dating back to 2022.
The two teams will wrap up their three-game series Sunday, with Guardians right-hander Gavin Williams (5-2, 3.28 ERA) set to face Twins rookie Andrew Morris (1-1, 4.96 ERA).
Saturday’s thrilling contest underscored the resilience of both teams, but it was Buxton and the Twins who ultimately emerged victorious.
— Reported by Nexio News
