The Minnesota Twins crushed the Cincinnati Reds 12-5 on June 19, 2025, as Byron Buxton hit two homers. See how Buxton and Carlos Correa led the 17-hit barrage.
StatPro MLB Beat Reporter
Just when you thought you knew this Twins team, they go out and hang a dozen runs on the board. Minnesota unleashed a full-scale offensive assault on the Cincinnati Reds Thursday night, cruising to a 12-5 victory powered by a 17-hit barrage. The charge was led by a resurgent Byron Buxton, who launched two massive home runs, reminding everyone of the game-changing force he can be.
Byron Buxton's night: 3-for-6, two home runs, and a 432-foot blast to left that set the tone.
The Twins wasted no time, with Buxton's first homer coming in the top of the first. From there, the hits just kept coming. The team scored in six different innings, putting constant pressure on the Reds' pitching staff. Carlos Correa (3-for-5, HR, 3 RBI), Edouard Julien (2-for-4, HR, 2 RBI), and Matt Wallner (2-for-5, HR, 2 RBI) all joined the home run party. On the mound, Chris Paddack wasn't perfect, allowing four earned runs over five innings, but he battled through traffic to earn his third win of the season and keep the offense in control.
While the team win was crucial, the biggest story was the man in center field. Buxton's two-homer night brings his season total to 15, and it's another sign that he's finding the powerful groove the team desperately needs. When Buxton is locked in, he transforms the entire lineup, providing both a spark at the top and serious power in the middle. His health and production remain the ultimate X-factor for Minnesota's success.
Even as the major league club found its rhythm, news swirled about potential changes. The front office is reportedly actively exploring the trade market for a middle-of-the-order bat to ensure this kind of offensive output becomes more common. With recent graduate Zebby Matthews stabilizing the rotation and top prospects like Walker Jenkins and Emmanuel Rodriguez on the mend, the team has assets. The question is whether they're willing to part with bullpen aces like Jhoan Duran or Griffin Jax, or a rising prospect like Kyle DeBarge, to get a deal done.
One explosive night in Cincinnati doesn't erase the season's inconsistencies, but it's a powerful reminder of what this lineup can be. With the team hovering just below .500, the next few weeks are critical. Will the current roster build on this momentum, or will the front office make a bold move to acquire that missing piece? All eyes are on both the diamond and the trade market as the Twins fight to define their season.
