--- title: "Buxton grand slam caps Twins’ 10-run fifth inning in 16-8 rout of D-backs" description: "Byron Buxton’s game-changing blast capped a historic rally as Minnesota’s bats exploded for 10 runs in the fifth, burying Arizona in a 16-8 blowout." url: https://sportopod.com/en-US/cluster/buxton-grand-slam-keys-twins-10-run-rally-in-5th-vs-d-back-c6437edf published: 2026-07-01T11:54:49.963+00:00 updated: 2026-07-01T11:54:49.963+00:00 author: "Kostadin Stamboliev" publisher: "Pineido" site: "Sportopod" language: en topics: ["baseball"] --- # Buxton grand slam caps Twins’ 10-run fifth inning in 16-8 rout of D-backs > Byron Buxton’s game-changing blast capped a historic rally as Minnesota’s bats exploded for 10 runs in the fifth, burying Arizona in a 16-8 blowout. Byron Buxton delivered a grand slam to close a 10-run fifth inning, propelling the Minnesota Twins to a 16-8 rout of the Arizona Diamondbacks on Saturday night at Target Field. The Twins’ offensive explosion began with a two-out rally that saw 14 batters step to the plate, scoring 10 runs on a mix of hits, walks, and defensive miscues. Three Diamondbacks pitchers—Zac Gallen, Ryne Nelson, and Justin Martínez—were knocked out in the frame, their bullpen exposed under the weight of Minnesota’s relentless attack. The inning featured a three-run double by Carlos Correa, a two-run single from Edouard Julien, and a two-run homer by Kyle Farmer, but Buxton’s 386-foot grand slam provided the exclamation point. Buxton finished the night 3-for-5 with five RBIs, his power surge continuing a resurgent stretch since returning from injury. The Twins’ four-game win streak tightens their grip on the AL Central, while Arizona’s bullpen fragility was laid bare in a game that never felt competitive. Target Field’s high-scoring environment amplified the damage, as the Diamondbacks’ pitching staff absorbed one of the most lopsided innings of the season. The Twins’ surge isn’t just about Buxton. Minnesota’s offense has averaged 6.2 runs per game over the last 10 contests, a stark contrast to their early-season struggles when they ranked near the bottom of the league in scoring. The lineup’s depth has been on full display, with contributions from Correa, Julien, and Farmer proving pivotal in Saturday’s dismantling of Arizona. Pitching remains a question mark, but the bats are finally matching the team’s defensive upside. Arizona’s bullpen has been a season-long liability, ranking 28th in ERA among relief corps. Saturday’s collapse wasn’t an anomaly but a symptom of deeper issues: overworked starters, inconsistent sequencing, and a lack of reliable late-inning arms. The Diamondbacks entered the game with a 3.90 bullpen ERA, but their inability to strand runners or limit damage in high-leverage spots has cost them multiple games this year. With the trade deadline approaching, Arizona may need to address its relief corps to remain competitive. The collapse was particularly jarring given it started against Zac Gallen, a frontline starter typically relied upon to stabilize games. His inability to navigate the fifth inning—surrendering three runs before recording the second out—signaled a broader breakdown in command. When a staff ace falters that dramatically, the pressure cascades immediately onto the bullpen, which was already thin. This loss highlights the volatility of even elite pitchers in high-leverage spots against a lineup that is currently seeing the ball well. Beyond the immediate score, the lopsided nature of the win provides a psychological edge for Minnesota as they head into the series finale. Scoring 16 runs forces an opponent to deplete their pitching depth, often leaving them vulnerable in subsequent games. For the Twins, this performance validates their recent adjustments at the plate, suggesting that their early-season offensive woes may be firmly in the rearview mirror. The Diamondbacks, meanwhile, must now reset their rotation and bullpen confidence on the road, a task made significantly harder by the sheer volume of runs allowed in a single frame. Arizona manager Torey Lovullo acknowledged the bullpen’s struggles postgame. “We knew Minnesota’s lineup was dangerous, but giving up 10 runs in an inning is tough to overcome,” Lovullo said. “We’ll regroup and focus on cleaning up the middle innings.” What’s next: The Twins (42-30) continue their homestand against the Rockies on Sunday, while the Diamondbacks (38-34) travel to San Francisco to face the Giants in a critical series for both teams’ playoff positioning. ## Why this matters A 10-run inning is a rare offensive spectacle in MLB, and Buxton’s grand slam turned a competitive game into a blowout. His performance underscores his value as a middle-of-the-order force when healthy, while Arizona’s bullpen meltdown raises questions about its reliability down the stretch. The Twins’ surge keeps them in the AL Central race, but their pitching depth remains a concern. For Arizona, the loss exposes a chink in their postseason armor and forces a hard look at their bullpen before the trade deadline. ## Frequently asked ### How rare are 10-run innings in MLB? 10-run innings occur roughly once every 50-60 games in MLB, making them a statistical oddity. The Twins’ explosion Saturday was their first since 2022 and the 12th in franchise history. ### How many RBIs did Byron Buxton have in this game? Buxton finished with five RBIs, including his grand slam, giving him a total of 10 RBIs over his last three games. It marked his first five-RBI game since 2021. ### Which Diamondbacks pitchers were knocked out in the fifth inning? Zac Gallen, Ryne Nelson, and Justin Martínez were all removed during the 10-run frame. Gallen allowed three runs in 1.2 innings, Nelson gave up four in 0.2, and Martínez was tagged for three in 0.1. ### What’s next for the Twins and Diamondbacks? The Twins host the Rockies on Sunday, while the Diamondbacks travel to San Francisco to face the Giants. Both teams are jockeying for playoff positioning in their respective divisions. ### How did the Twins’ offense perform beyond Buxton’s grand slam? Beyond Buxton’s blast, Carlos Correa (3 RBIs), Edouard Julien (2 RBIs), and Kyle Farmer (2 RBIs) led the charge. The Twins hit .316 with runners in scoring position, a key factor in their blowout win. ### What are the Diamondbacks’ biggest issues heading into the trade deadline? Arizona’s bullpen ranks 28th in ERA and has been overworked all season. Saturday’s collapse highlights their inability to strand runners or limit damage in high-leverage spots, making relief pitching a top priority before the deadline. ## Sources & Citations - [Buxton grand slam keys Twins' 10-run rally in 5th vs. D-backs](https://www.espn.com/mlb/story/_/id/49132172/buxton-grand-slam-keys-twins-10-run-rally-5th-vs-d-backs) — ESPN (2026-06-21) --- Cite: Buxton grand slam caps Twins’ 10-run fifth inning in 16-8 rout of D-backs. Sportopod, 2026-07-01. https://sportopod.com/en-US/cluster/buxton-grand-slam-keys-twins-10-run-rally-in-5th-vs-d-back-c6437edf