Astros walk-off the Twins 3-2 on June 15, 2025. The tough loss is compounded by a concerning injury update for star player Byron Buxton. Full game recap.
StatPro MLB Beat Reporter
It was a night of sharp contrasts for the Minnesota Twins in Houston. A brilliant pitching performance was wasted in the cruelest way possible—a walk-off loss—but the 3-2 final score against the Astros might not even be the worst news. All of Twins Territory is now anxiously awaiting an update on Byron Buxton, who exited the game with a bruised elbow after being hit by a pitch.
Rookie infielder Brooks Lee continued his impressive run, hitting a solo home run in the fifth inning to extend his career-long hitting streak to 14 games.
Just when it looked like the Twins were destined for extra innings, the floor fell out. Closer Jhoan Duran couldn't quite shut the door, and Astros rookie Cam Smith delivered the decisive blow—a walk-off single with two outs in the bottom of the ninth that sent the home crowd into a frenzy. It's a brutal way to lose, especially on a night where the team battled back. The loss drops the Twins to 36-34, making Sunday's finale a crucial rubber match.
The most concerning moment of the night came in the sixth inning when Byron Buxton was drilled on the left elbow by a pitch. He toughed it out for a bit, but was ultimately replaced by Harrison Bader in the seventh. The official word is a 'bruised left elbow,' but fans know all too well how quickly a seemingly minor injury can turn into a lengthy absence for the dynamic center fielder. The team's offensive and defensive identity hinges so much on a healthy Buxton, and his status for Sunday and beyond is now the team's biggest question mark.
Despite the sour ending, there were major positives to take away. Joe Ryan was absolutely masterful, carving up the Astros lineup for seven innings while allowing just two hits and striking out seven. He deserved a better fate. On the offensive side, the Brooks Lee show continues. The rookie sensation extended his hitting streak to 14 games with a powerful solo home run in the fifth that tied the game. Lee isn't just a bright spot; he's becoming a legitimate cornerstone of this lineup.
The Twins will have to shake this one off quickly as they look to salvage the series on Sunday. Simeon Woods Richardson (2-3, 5.74 ERA) gets the ball in the finale, tasked with outdueling Astros lefty Brandon Walter. The focus will be on securing a much-needed win, but all eyes will be on the pre-game report, hoping for good news on Byron Buxton's elbow.
