Minnesota Twins’ Byron Buxton reacts after hitting a leadoff home run on the first pitch of the game thrown by Texas Rangers starting pitcher Tyler Mahle during the first inning of a baseball game Thursday, Sept. 25, 2025, in Arlington. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)
Minnesota Twins starting pitcher Bailey Ober throws against the Texas Rangers during the first inning of a baseball game Thursday, Sept. 25, 2025, in Arlington. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)
Minnesota Twins’ Kody Clemens swings at a pitch from the Texas Rangers during the first inning of a baseball game Thursday, Sept. 25, 2025, in Arlington. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)
Minnesota Twins second baseman Kody Clemens, top, tags out Texas Rangers’ Alejandro Osuna trying to steal the bag during the fifth inning of a baseball game Thursday, Sept. 25, 2025, in Arlington. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)
Byron Buxton homers twice including a 2nd-straight leadoff shot to lead Twins over Rangers 4-0
ARLINGTON, Texas (AP) — Byron Buxton hit two home runs including a second-straight leadoff homer, Bailey Ober threw six innings with five strikeouts and two hits, and the Minnesota Twins beat the Texas Rangers 4-0 on Thursday.
Minnesota Twins’ Byron Buxton reacts after hitting a leadoff home run on the first pitch of the game thrown by Texas Rangers starting pitcher Tyler Mahle during the first inning of a baseball game Thursday, Sept. 25, 2025, in Arlington. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)
ARLINGTON, Texas (AP) — Byron Buxton hit two home runs including a second-straight leadoff homer, Bailey Ober threw six innings with five strikeouts and two hits, and the Minnesota Twins beat the Texas Rangers 4-0 on Thursday.
The Twins (69-90) outhit the Rangers (80-79) 10-3, with Buxton, Trevor Larnach, Royce Lewis, Edouard Julien and Christian Vázquez each recording two hits.
Ober (6-9) tied a season-low in hits allowed and did not allow a run for the first time this year. His last scoreless outing was Sept. 7, 2024, against Kansas City.
ARTICLE CONTINUES BELOW
Holding onto a one-run lead in the fifth inning with one on and no outs, the Twins converted on a strikeout double play as Kyle Higashioka went down swinging and Alejandro Osuna was caught stealing second.
Kody Funderburk threw a hitless seventh with two strikeouts, and Cole Sands struck out one in the ninth.
Tyler Mahle (6-4) threw five innings with five hits, one run, and four strikeouts.
Key moment
After Julien and Vázquez each reached on singles in the eighth inning, Buxton swung at the first pitch from Chris Martin and . This one traveled 437 feet, and would be a home run in all 30 Major League ballparks.
Key stat
Buxton’s followed his leadoff homer in a to the Rangers on Wednesday. It’s the second time Buxton has had back-to-back games with a leadoff homer this season, also doing it June 18-19 at Cincinnati.
Up next
Texas: The Rangers visit the Cleveland Guardians, who are one game ahead of Detroit for first in the AL Central. Texas RHP Jack Leiter (9-10, 3.92) faces Cleveland RHP Slade Cecconi (7-6, 4.15).
ARTICLE CONTINUES BELOW
ARTICLE CONTINUES BELOW
Minnesota: The Twins head to Philadelphia to face the NL East champion Phillies. Minnesota RHP Joe Ryan (13-9, 3.47) starts opposite Philadelphia RHP Aaron Nola (4-10, 6.46).
To join the conversation set a first and last name in your user profile.
Sign in or register for free to join the Conversation