Byron Buxton hits for the cycle, powering the Minnesota Twins to a 12-4 win over the Pittsburgh Pirates on July 13, 2025. Recap the historic performance.
StatPro MLB Beat Reporter
You couldn't write a better script. On a sun-drenched Saturday at Target Field, with thousands of fans holding his likeness in their hands, Byron Buxton delivered a performance for the ages. He didn't just have a good game on his own bobblehead day; he hit for the cycle, cementing a legendary moment in Twins history and powering the team to a dominant 12-4 win over the Pittsburgh Pirates.
Byron Buxton became the 12th player in Twins history to hit for the cycle and the very first to accomplish the feat at Target Field.
It was a masterclass in hitting from the very first inning. Buxton started his day with a single in the first, then scorched a triple into the gap in the second. He wasn't done, lacing a double in the third to put everyone on high alert. After another single in the fifth, the stage was set. In the seventh inning, Buxton launched a majestic 427-foot home run, sending the crowd into a frenzy and completing the historic cycle. But it wasn't a one-man show. The offense exploded in a six-run second inning, highlighted by a three-run blast from Kody Clemens. Matt Wallner and Willi Castro added solo shots of their own, ensuring the rout was on. The offensive barrage provided plenty of support for the pitching staff, where rookie Travis Adams earned his first career MLB win with four solid innings of relief.
As if hitting for the cycle wasn't enough, Buxton is taking his hot bat on the road to Atlanta. In just two days, he'll step into the batter's box at Truist Park to compete in the Home Run Derby in his home state of Georgia. After a performance like Saturday's, where he showcased both power and precision, all eyes will be on him to see if he can bring home the derby crown. It's a massive stage for a player who, when healthy, is one of the most electric talents in the entire league.
While the bats stole the show, the pitching held its own. Cole Sands provided two hitless innings as the opener before handing the ball to Travis Adams, who capitalized on the run support for his milestone victory. The win pushed the Twins back to .500 at 47-47, a crucial benchmark heading into the break. Looking ahead to Sunday's finale, Simeon Woods Richardson (5-4, 4.08 ERA) gets the ball against Pirates' righty Mitch Keller. The team's pitching depth has been tested recently, with the club losing lefty Joey Wentz on a waiver claim to the Braves just a couple of days ago. It's a reminder of the constant churn on the roster fringes, making starts like the one from Woods Richardson all the more important as the team looks to enter the All-Star break on a high note.
With one game left before the All-Star break, the Twins are riding a wave of momentum generated by their superstar center fielder. A win on Sunday behind Simeon Woods Richardson would not only secure a series victory but also send the team into the second half with a winning record and a renewed sense of optimism. After a storybook Saturday, the focus shifts to finishing the job and carrying this energy into the stretch run.
