Byron Buxton crushed a grand slam to highlight a monstrous 10-run fifth inning, propelling the Minnesota Twins to a 16-8 demolition of the Arizona Diamondbacks on Saturday night at Target Field. The Twins offense absolutely erupted in the fifth inning, sending 10 men to the plate and burying the Diamondbacks under an avalanche of runs that effectively ended the contest before the seventh-inning stretch. Buxton’s blast was the centerpiece of the frame, turning a competitive matchup into a complete laugher.
Minnesota didn't let up after the explosion, piling on runs throughout the night to finish with a staggering offensive output. Arizona had no answer for the onslaught, watching their chances evaporate in the Minneapolis heat as the ball flew out of Target Field. The final score of 16-8 reflects a game that spiraled out of control for the visitors, who simply could not contain the Twins' relentless lineup or silence the crowd.
This performance serves as a stark, violent reminder of Buxton’s capabilities when he stays on the field and finds his rhythm. His ability to change the game with one swing remains elite, providing the Twins with a necessary jolt as they navigate the tightrope of a playoff race. The offensive explosion wasn't just about one player; it was a collective statement that this lineup can punish mistakes severely and overwhelm opposing pitching staffs when the stars align.
The Twins look to carry this massive momentum into the series finale, hoping to sweep the Diamondbacks and solidify their standing in the crowded postseason hunt. Arizona needs to regroup quickly to salvage a win before heading home, tasked with figuring out how to quiet a suddenly red-hot offense. The fifth-inning explosion was the latest in a season where Minnesota has repeatedly turned deficits into routs, showcasing their ability to grind out wins even when trailing.
The Twins entered the game with a 4-2 deficit in the fifth, but the inning’s 10-run surge erased Arizona’s lead and exposed a pitching staff that had been reliable for much of the season. This pattern underscores Minnesota’s depth and resilience, traits that could prove decisive in high-pressure playoff scenarios where every run matters. 350 OPS and drive in 14 runs.
His recent surge comes after a prolonged absence due to injuries, proving that when healthy, he remains the centerpiece of a lineup that can dismantle any rotation. The Twins’ front office must now prioritize keeping him in the lineup, as his presence alone shifts the calculus for opposing pitchers and fan expectations alike. The Twins’ bullpen, often a question mark this season, allowed just one run over the final four innings after the fifth-inning deluge, a sign of newfound cohesion.
The unit’s ability to hold the lead—even after such a high-octane offensive outburst—demonstrates the roster’s growing balance. Meanwhile, Arizona’s bullpen, which had been a strength, showed cracks under pressure, with relievers coughing up five runs in the late innings. The disparity in relief execution further exposed the Diamondbacks’ vulnerabilities as they limp toward the season’s final stretch.
5 games back in the AL Central, a margin that could shrink further with a sweep. The Twins’ ability to manufacture runs in bunches—especially in critical moments—positions them as a legitimate threat in a division where every game carries playoff implications. For Arizona, the loss exposes deeper issues in their bullpen and defensive alignment, issues they’ll need to address quickly if they hope to stay in the hunt for a Wild Card spot.
The Twins have now won five of their last six games, a stretch that includes three series victories against division rivals. This stretch of form suggests Minnesota is peaking at the right time, a dangerous signal for opponents in the postseason. The contrast with Arizona’s recent skid—now four losses in five games—highlights the urgency for the Diamondbacks to right the ship before the calendar flips to October.
What's next: The Twins aim to close out the series on Sunday with a potential sweep, while Arizona must regroup fast to avoid a damaging four-game losing streak. Minnesota’s next challenge is a three-game set against the White Sox, a team they’ve split with so far this season. For the Diamondbacks, the focus shifts to a pivotal home stand against the Dodgers, where salvaging at least one win could be the difference between a Wild Card berth and a long offseason. Read at ESPN
Why this matters
Buxton's grand slam capped a historic 10-run frame that erased a 4-2 deficit and buried the Diamondbacks, giving the Twins a massive statement win. This is the kind of explosive offensive night that can drastically shift momentum in a tight playoff race. It serves as a stark reminder that Buxton, when healthy and in the lineup, remains one of baseball's most electrifying and dangerous talents. A blowout of this magnitude energizes a clubhouse while sending a warning shot to the rest of the league, particularly in a division where Minnesota is clawing back into contention. The Twins’ bullpen stability and Arizona’s bullpen collapse add another layer to the narrative: this wasn’t just a hitting clinic, but a full-team statement that could redefine both teams’ postseason prospects.
Frequently asked
What was the Twins' deficit before the fifth inning?
The Twins trailed 4-2 entering the fifth inning before their 10-run explosion turned the game into a rout.
What was the final score of the Twins vs. Diamondbacks game?
The Minnesota Twins defeated the Arizona Diamondbacks by a score of 16-8 on Saturday night at Target Field.
How many runs did the Twins score in the fifth inning?
The Twins exploded for 10 runs in the fifth inning, turning the game into a blowout and effectively securing the victory.
Who hit the grand slam for the Twins?
Byron Buxton launched the grand slam, which was the key highlight of the 10-run fifth inning that devastated Arizona's pitching staff.
Where was the game played?
The game took place at Target Field in Minneapolis, where the Twins' offense put on a show for the home crowd.
What is Minnesota's playoff position after this win?
The Twins remain 3.5 games back in the AL Central but closed the gap with this statement victory over a division rival.
