Byron Buxton's career-long 479-ft homer sinks the Rangers 6-2 vs. the Twins on June 12. Despite an early lead from Semien, Texas couldn't stop Buxton.
StatPro MLB Beat Reporter
It was a night that started with promise and ended with a familiar feeling of 'what if?' The Texas Rangers jumped out to an early 2-0 lead against the Minnesota Twins, only to see it all erased by one swing of the bat. Byron Buxton played the hero for the home team, launching a colossal three-run homer and making a game-saving catch to hand the Rangers a frustrating 6-2 defeat at Target Field.
Byron Buxton hit a 479-foot, three-run homer—his longest career shot—that completely flipped the script in the third inning.
Things were looking up in the early innings. Marcus Semien continued his steady offensive production, launching his 9th home run of the season in the second inning to put Texas on the board. The very next inning, Josh Smith came through with a clutch RBI double, extending the lead to 2-0. With Minnesota's starter David Festa on the ropes, it felt like the Rangers were in control and poised for a big offensive night.
The game turned on a dime in the bottom of the third. Rookie starter Jack Leiter, who had been shaky, struggled with his command and set the stage for disaster. Byron Buxton stepped to the plate and crushed a pitch, sending it a staggering 479 feet for a three-run homer. It was his longest career blast, and it instantly gave the Twins a 3-2 lead they would never relinquish. As if that wasn't enough, Buxton later flashed the leather with a spectacular diving catch to rob Semien of a potential rally-starting hit with two runners on, single-handedly crushing the Rangers' spirit on both sides of the ball.
It was a night of growing pains for Jack Leiter. The rookie right-hander couldn't find his command, lasting just four innings while issuing four walks. He was charged with four earned runs on five hits, with the Buxton homer being the decisive blow. While Leiter has shown flashes of brilliance this season, this start was a clear step back, dropping his record to 4-3. The high walk total is a concern and something the coaching staff will surely work with him on before his next turn in the rotation.
The Rangers will have to shake this one off quickly as they look to salvage a win in the series finale. Veteran lefty Patrick Corbin (3-5, 3.52 ERA) gets the ball, seeking his first victory in nearly a month. He'll face Minnesota's Bailey Ober (4-2, 3.78 ERA) in a crucial matchup. A strong start from Corbin and a bounce-back performance from the lineup are essential if Texas wants to head home on a high note.
