Byron Buxton Caps First 20/20 Season in Cathartic Minneapolis Win

The Minnesota Twins’ Friday night homecoming carried a heavy sense of loss and a determination to honor their city. Just hours earlier, a tragic mass shooting at Annunciation Catholic School in Minneapolis had taken the lives of two children and left several others injured.

The team stepped onto the field that night with more than baseball on their minds. They played not just to compete, but to pay tribute to the victims and their families.

Against this heartbreaking backdrop, the Twins pulled off a gutsy 7-4 win over the San Diego Padres. Byron Buxton reached a career milestone that put his name among some of the franchise’s greats.

A Night of Remembrance and Resilience

Before the game, Target Field went silent. Players, coaches, and fans gathered for a candlelight vigil at home plate.

The stadium lights dimmed, and the flicker of candles lit up the diamond. It was a rare, raw moment of unity and grief for Minneapolis.

Buxton made the tribute personal, too. He wrote “Prayers A.C.S.” on his cap—a simple, heartfelt gesture from someone who gets how much the team means to the city.

Sometimes, sports really can bring people together when it feels like nothing else will.

A Milestone in a Season to Remember

Once the game got underway, emotion turned to action. Byron Buxton, finally healthy in 2024 after years of battling injuries, reached a rare mark: his first 20 home run, 20 stolen base season.

He did it in style—stealing third base for the first time in his career, then swiping another bag to bring his total to 21.

Now, Buxton is just the seventh player in Twins history to join the 20/20 club. That puts him alongside names like Kirby Puckett, Torii Hunter, and Brian Dozier.

With 28 games left, he’s got a real shot at the 30/30 club. Only three more home runs and nine more steals stand in his way.

The Manager’s and Teammates’ Praise

Manager Rocco Baldelli spoke openly about Buxton’s achievement. He praised the center fielder’s energy and the way he impacts every part of the game.

It’s not just speed or power—Buxton keeps the pressure on, always. Teammate Trevor Larnach called him “the best center fielder in the game.”

Larnach credited Buxton’s health and steady play this year. Honestly, it’s hard to argue: when Buxton’s healthy, he’s a force.

Teamwide Aggression on the Basepaths

The Twins’ win wasn’t just about Buxton. The whole team played with an edge on the bases.

Matt Wallner chipped in with two stolen bases, and the Padres looked rattled. For a team fighting for the playoffs, that kind of aggression sends a clear message—they’re not holding anything back.

Pitching Steps Up in Support

Rookie Zebby Matthews stepped up in a big way. He faced a loaded Padres lineup and didn’t flinch.

Matthews pitched six solid innings, gave up just two earned runs, and scattered hits. His calm set the tone, and the bullpen took it from there.

A Win with Deeper Meaning

Friday night’s victory went far beyond box scores. In the wake of tragedy, the Twins gave everyone a moment of relief—a small but real reminder of resilience and unity.

Sports have a funny way of reflecting the spirit of a city. This performance felt heavy with emotion, history, and purpose.

For Buxton, who’s now in the 20/20 club and chasing 30/30, the night carried personal weight. The team and fans saw that even in the darkest times, the game they love can bring a little light.

• Final Score: Twins 7, Padres 4
• Star Performer: Byron Buxton – 2 stolen bases, 20/20 milestone
• Key Support: Zebby Matthews – 6 IP, 2 ER
• Additional Highlight: Matt Wallner – 2 stolen bases

The season’s down to its final month. If the Twins want a shot at the postseason, they’ll need to keep fighting and focusing like they did Friday night.

 
Here is the source article for this story: Buxton Completes His First 20/20 Season In A Cathartic Victory For Minneapolis