Byron Buxton continued Minnesota’s streak of hitting home runs in 18 consecutive games by smashing a three-run homer in the sixth inning. Pablo López pitched six strong innings, allowing just one run, as the Twins defeated the Seattle Mariners 5-1 on Saturday night.
The win improved Minnesota’s record to 5-3 on their current nine-game road trip and marked their 5,000th victory since the team moved from Washington before the 1961 season.
Buxton, who hit his eighth homer of the season, made a decisive impact by connecting off Seattle reliever Trent Thornton with two outs in the sixth inning. Thornton had almost escaped trouble earlier in the inning, but left a fastball in a vulnerable spot, allowing Buxton to capitalize.
“Byron is consistently putting together good at-bats and getting into favorable counts. His swing looks very smooth and powerful right now. When he makes solid contact, the ball really jumps off his bat,” remarked Twins manager Rocco Baldelli.
Minnesota’s streak of 18 consecutive games with a home run matches their franchise record set last season from April 18 to May 6, 2023. This streak is the second-longest in the majors this year, behind Baltimore’s 22-game stretch earlier in the month. The Twins have hammered 29 home runs during this impressive run.
In addition to his home run heroics, Buxton also hit a two-out RBI double in the fourth inning off Seattle starter Bryce Miller, narrowly avoiding a diving catch attempt by Luke Raley in left field. Buxton’s four RBIs in the game marked his highest total of the season and his most since July 21, 2023, against the White Sox.
Buxton has been on fire during the current road trip, boasting a .478 batting average with four home runs and four doubles.
“Once you figure out what adjustments you need to make, it simplifies things when you step into the batter’s box. Instead of overthinking, it’s about seeing the ball well and having quality at-bats,” Buxton explained about his recent success.
