The Twins fell 2-1 to the Pirates on July 13, 2025, despite Byron Buxton's hot bat. Jhoan Duran's 9th-inning struggles send Minnesota into the break under .500.
StatPro MLB Beat Reporter
Well, that's not how you want to head into a four-day vacation. The Minnesota Twins wrapped up the first half of their season not with a bang, but with a whimper, falling 2-1 to the Pittsburgh Pirates in a frustrating Sunday finale. Despite a winning 6-3 homestand, the loss leaves a sour taste and drops the team to 46-48, underscoring the work that lies ahead when play resumes.
Byron Buxton, fresh off a historic cycle on Saturday, drove in the Twins' only run Sunday. He's the engine this team desperately needs.
Sunday's game felt like a classic pitcher's duel destined for extra innings, but the Pirates had other plans. Tied 1-1 in the top of the ninth, closer Jhoan Duran couldn't shut the door, allowing three singles to load the bases before a Spencer Horwitz groundout brought home the decisive run. It was a tough-luck loss for Duran and a frustrating end to a solid outing from the pitching staff, started by Simeon Woods Richardson, who gave up just one run over 4 2/3 innings. The offense, meanwhile, couldn't muster the big hit, despite two-hit days from Carlos Correa, Harrison Bader, and the man of the hour, Byron Buxton.
If there's one massive positive to take into the break, it's the resurgence of Byron Buxton. After electrifying Target Field with a cycle on Saturday, Buck followed it up by driving in the Twins' only run on Sunday with a sharp RBI double. It's the kind of high-impact performance fans have been waiting for. When Buxton is locked in, he transforms the entire lineup, providing speed, power, and clutch hitting. His health and continued production will be arguably the most critical factor for any second-half playoff push.
The All-Star break began with a quiet day on the transaction front, with no new moves announced on Monday. The roster appears set for the time being, with the most recent move being LHP Joey Wentz's departure to Atlanta via waivers last week. The team is still without starter Bailey Ober, who remains on the 15-day IL with a hip impingement, but the recent activation of Royce Lewis has already provided a significant boost. As the team rests, the front office will undoubtedly be evaluating needs ahead of the trade deadline.
So, the Twins head into the All-Star break two games under .500. It's a time for rest, recovery, and reflection. Can they get key players like Bailey Ober healthy? Can the offense find consistency beyond Byron Buxton's heroics? The next few weeks will be telling, not just on the field but in the front office as the trade deadline approaches. The first half was a rollercoaster; now it's time to see if they can find their stride for a thrilling finish.
