The box score for Tuesday’s tilt between the Twins and White Sox will show that closer Jhoan Duran picked up his second save of the season.
But it most likely would have been a blown save if not for some game-saving heroics from center fielder extraordinaire Byron Buxton.
With two men on and two outs in the ninth inning, Duran served up what appeared to be the game-tying hit in a 4-2 game. But before that ball could fall to the ground, Buxton, sprinting to right center field, dove and caught it to end the game.
Rookie DaShawn Keirsey Jr., who was in right field, witnessed the catch firsthand.
“It was slow-mo,” said Keirsey to MLB.com. “As I’m running, I see him and he just jumps in the air and it’s like slow motion. It was one of the most incredible catches I’ve ever seen.”
With the win, the Twins snapped their three-game losing streak and improved to 8-15. David Festa gets the ball Wednesday.
Extra innings…
–The Twins didn’t do much in Tuesday’s win, they did just enough. The Twins scored their four runs on an RBI single, a throwing error and a two-run home run — an absolute no-doubter — from Trevor Larnach. The White Sox outhit the Twins 10 to 5, but were 0-for-8 with runners in scoring position and left nine men on base. If the South Siders had been a little more productive with RISP, I think they would’ve won the game.
–Twins pitching worked around the lack of offensive support. Starter Bailey Ober allowed just a run on eight hits across six innings. Relievers Griffin Jax and the artist formerly known as Louie Varland made scoreless appearances, then Duran entered the game and channeled his best Fernando Rodney imitation.
Duran, a la Rodney, loaded the bases in the ninth on a hit and two walks. Then he got three outs via the strikeout, a groundout and Buck’s amazing catch. Ballgame.
–Varland, Mr. Efficient, pitched a scoreless eighth on seven pitches. That dude is ALL business.
–Rookie Luke Keaschall continues to impress. Kid Keaschall had another hit, scored two runs, walked twice and stole two bases. Keep him in the lineup, Rocco.
–Oregon State man Larnach had a good game, too. He hit a moonshot of a home run, plus he scored two runs, drove in two more and worked a free pass to first base.
–Tuesday’s Target Field attendance: 11,828. Not great. Radio play-by-play voice Kris Atteberry described it as “intimate.”
–Like other teams in the league, the Twins have come up with a new home run dugout celebration. A couple of seasons ago it began with players donning a fishing jacket and pole, which seemed very much in line with Minnesota and all its lakes. This season they are putting on a Trojan-style helmet, which I don’t quite get. My favorite, though, was last season’s summer sausage. Bring back that moldy meat!