Byron Buxton delivered in spectacular fashion on Saturday night, smacking a game-winning RBI double off the left-center wall in the 11th inning to lift the Minnesota Twins to a 2-1 victory over the Cleveland Guardians. The clutch hit scored automatic runner Matt Wallner, capping a tense, low-scoring affair where hits were at a premium—both teams managed just two apiece.
Buxton was the engine of Minnesota's offense, driving in both runs. He set the tone from the very start, launching his 22nd career leadoff home run on the third pitch of the game from Tanner Bibee. That solo shot gave the Twins an early 1-0 lead and showcased Buxton's red-hot form—he now has 13 homers in his last 23 games, just two behind MLB leaders Aaron Judge and Munetaka Murakami.
The Guardians answered in the fourth inning when José Ramírez singled off starter Joe Ryan, stole second, and scored on Kyle Manzardo's base hit up the middle. Ryan settled in after that, working six solid innings while allowing just two hits. Bibee matched him pitch for pitch, striking out a season-high nine over six innings, though he continues to battle tough luck with five losses and four no-decisions this season.
Cleveland had golden opportunities to break through in the late innings, loading the bases with one out in both the ninth and tenth. But reliever Eric Orze (1-1) showed immense poise, escaping both jams over 1 2/3 innings of work. Luis García then slammed the door in the 11th for his first save of the season.
The game wasn't without drama in the field, either. In the sixth inning, Bibee collided with catcher Austin Hedges while both chased a popup by Brooks Lee. Hedges dropped the ball, Bibee was charged with an error, and Lee advanced to second but was stranded. The start was delayed by 2 hours and 6 minutes due to heavy thunderstorms, adding to the night's intensity.
With the win, the Twins improved to 20-40 against the Guardians since 2022, while Cleveland saw its three-game winning streak snapped. Rule 5 Draft pick Peyton Pallette (1-2) took the loss, allowing one unearned run in two innings.
Looking ahead, the series finale on Sunday features Guardians right-hander Gavin Williams (5-2, 3.28 ERA) against Twins righty Andrew Morris (1-1, 4.96). For baseball fans and gear enthusiasts alike, games like this remind us why the diamond never sleeps—and why every pitch counts.