Byron Buxton put on a power display and rookie Mick Abel delivered a masterclass on the mound, leading the Minnesota Twins to a commanding 6-0 victory over the Boston Red Sox on Tuesday night. The win marks the Twins' eighth in their last nine games, showcasing a team hitting its stride at the perfect time.
Buxton, the Twins' dynamic center fielder, was the undeniable catalyst. He launched two towering home runs, including a first-pitch rocket into the second deck in the third inning, and finished the night a perfect 4-for-4 with four runs scored. His performance, coming off his first homer of the season just a day prior, signals he's finding his explosive rhythm.
While Buxton provided the fireworks, Mick Abel stole the show with a career-best pitching performance. The young right-hander, acquired last season, was utterly dominant across seven shutout innings. He surrendered just four hits, issued zero walks, and racked up a personal-high 10 strikeouts, completely stifling the Red Sox lineup and earning his first win of the year.
The Twins' offense provided ample support early. After Buxton scored on a challenged play in the first inning, Brooks Lee added a solo homer in the fourth. Trevor Larnach then delivered a key two-run single later in the frame, blowing the game open against Red Sox starter Sonny Gray.
For Boston, the shutout loss is a tough setback as they continue to search for consistency. The team will look to avoid the series sweep in Wednesday's finale, sending left-hander Connelly Early to face Minnesota's Simeon Woods Richardson.
