Minnesota Twins defeat Oakland Athletics 6-1 on June 5, 2025, powered by Ryan Jeffers & Harrison Bader home runs. Bailey Ober strong. Read the recap!
StatPro MLB Beat Reporter
The Minnesota Twins wrapped up their series against the Oakland Athletics with a bang on Thursday, securing a convincing 6-1 victory in West Sacramento! Ryan Jeffers and Harrison Bader provided the fireworks with key home runs, ensuring the Twins left California with a series win under their belts.
The Twins' pitching staff continues to dominate, boasting a stellar 3.32 team ERA, keeping them firmly in contention.
It was a beautiful day for baseball in West Sacramento, and the Twins made sure to make it memorable. Ryan Jeffers got the party started early, launching a solo shot in the very first inning to give Minnesota the lead. The A's managed to scratch one across, but Bailey Ober, who came into the game with a solid 4-1 record and a 3.48 ERA, settled in nicely to deliver a strong start. Harrison Bader then provided the breathing room in the later innings with a crucial two-run homer. Jeffers wasn't done, adding an RBI single in the ninth for good measure, capping off the 6-1 win and the final game of the four-game set.
While the entire lineup contributed, today was all about Ryan Jeffers and Harrison Bader. Jeffers' early homer set the tone, and his late-game RBI showed he was locked in from start to finish. Bader's two-run blast was the insurance the Twins needed, effectively putting the game out of reach for the A's. It's exactly this kind of clutch hitting from different parts of the lineup that makes this Twins team dangerous. When guys like Jeffers and Bader step up, it takes the pressure off established stars like Byron Buxton, who continues to lead the offense overall with a .274 AVG, 10 HR, and 37 RBI.
This victory over the A's is another example of the Twins' successful formula this season: dominant pitching paired with a capable offense. The team's ERA sits at an impressive 3.32, a testament to the work of starters like Pablo López (2.82 ERA) and Joe Ryan (6 wins, 76 strikeouts), and a solid bullpen. While the offense might be considered 'middle-of-the-pack' statistically, they're delivering when it counts. This combination has the Twins sitting comfortably in second place in the AL Central, proving their blend of pitching prowess and timely hitting is a recipe for sustained success.
With the series against the A's secured, the Twins will look to carry this momentum forward. Their consistent pitching and ability to get big hits in key moments bodes well as they continue to battle for the top spot in the AL Central. Keep an eye on this squad, folks – they're playing some exciting baseball!