When the Twins extended Byron Buxton’s contract, it struck me as a very team-friendly deal. Although laden with incentives, it seemed that Buxton wouldn’t meet any of them because of his past struggles with injuries. For example, if he wins MVP, the Twins owe him an additional $8 million, according to MLB Trade Rumors.
After Sunday’s thrilling, 10-inning walk-off win over the Chicago White Sox, my advice to the Twins’ front office would be to keep the CHECKBOOK HANDY.
That’s because Buxton put on another show, hitting a game-tying home run in the seventh inning and then dazzled Twins Territory with a three-run, walk-off blast off ace closer Liam Hendriks in the bottom of the 10th to win 6-4 over the White Sox. It was the Twins’ fourth straight win and their first sweep of the season. The Pale Hose, meanwhile, are reeling, having lost seven straight.
The Twins didn’t get much out of starter Chris Archer, who allowed two runs over three innings, but the bullpen allowed only two runs over the final seven innings. Josh Winder was a big part of that. Although he allowed a dinger, he kept it close for four innings. The win went to reliever Joe Smith.
The Twins have Monday off, then welcome the Detroit Tigers on Tuesday. Chris Paddack gets the ball.
Extra innings…
-After the win, a great quote from manager Rocco Baldelli on his star player Buxton was shared on social media.
Do you agree with Rocco? 🦌#MNTwins pic.twitter.com/FHUTvSeMNh
— Dustin Morse (@morsecode) April 25, 2022
-As amazing as Buck’s performance was, he also struck out three times.
-Nice defense: Oregon State man Trevor Larnach threw out a baserunner at home and Gio Urshela threw out a runner at first base from the seat of his pants.
-Tough sledding: Although the Twins earned nine free passes during the game, they were 2-for-10 with runners in scoring position and left 13 men on base.
-The Twins are now 8-8 and in first place in the AL Central. What a difference a winning streak makes.
-The South Siders’ Lucas Giolito struck out nine batters over four innings. But he only went four innings, and once he was out of the game, the Twins made their move.
-If you get the chance, listen to radio play-by-play man Cory Provus and his call of Buck’s walk-off bomb. He is bound to be hoarse for a couple of days.