Byron Buxton's power wasn't enough as the Twins fell 6-5 to the Mariners on June 25. Seattle's bullpen, led by Muñoz and Brash, shut the door on a comeback.
StatPro MLB Beat Reporter
It’s a story becoming all too familiar for Twins fans: Byron Buxton does something superhuman, and yet the team finds itself on the wrong side of the final score. That was the script once again on Wednesday night at Target Field, as a heroic effort from Buxton was overshadowed by a frustrating 6-5 loss to the red-hot Seattle Mariners, leaving the hometown crowd wondering what it will take to turn these close contests into wins.
Byron Buxton has hit seven home runs in his last ten games, a torrid pace that has him looking like an MVP candidate.
The game itself was a classic back-and-forth affair. Starter Joe Ryan battled, but the Mariners' offense, which has now plated an incredible 31 runs in their last three games, kept the pressure on all night. The real story, however, was written in the late innings. While the Twins fought to rally, Seattle's relief corps was simply dominant. Andrés Muñoz (3-0) was lights-out to earn the win, and Matt Brash sealed the deal with a perfect ninth for his first save, effectively slamming the door on any hope of a Twins comeback.
If there's one undeniable positive, it's the man in center field. Byron Buxton is playing on another level right now. His recent power surge is the stuff of legend, with seven homers in his last ten games catapulting his season slugging percentage to a staggering .575. But it's not just brute force; Buxton is showing remarkable plate discipline, drawing more walks and cutting down on strikeouts. He's not just a slugger; he's becoming a complete hitter, making a powerful case for his second All-Star nod. The challenge for the Twins is converting this individual brilliance into team success.
Perhaps with the bullpen's recent struggles in mind, the front office made a move to bolster its pitching depth. The team signed veteran right-hander José Ureña to a minor league deal this week. While he'll report to the minors for now, Ureña provides experienced insurance. He's a prime candidate for a call-up should the big-league club need a fresh arm to help lock down these tight games. It’s a low-risk move that signals the team is actively looking for solutions.
Losing a one-run game when your superstar is firing on all cylinders is a tough pill to swallow. The Twins have the centerpiece in Buxton, but Wednesday's loss highlights the urgent need for the rest of the roster to provide support. As the series with the Mariners continues, the focus will be on finding that clutch hit and getting that crucial shutdown inning. One player can't do it all, and the Twins need to find their collective gear before more of these winnable games fall by the wayside.
