Twins Triumph Over Rangers 4-2 with Key Homers from Bell and Buxton

ARLINGTON, Texas (AP) — The Minnesota Twins secured a 4-2 victory against the Texas Rangers on Monday night, highlighted by a three-run homer from Josh Bell in the first inning and a solo shot from Byron Buxton, who hit his 23rd home run of the season to lead off the sixth. The contest featured all six runs being scored via home runs, with Joc Pederson of the Rangers contributing a two-run blast in the third inning off rookie pitcher Mike Paredes.

Paredes, a 25-year-old left-hander, came close to earning his first major league win, falling just one out short in his second start and fourth overall appearance since May 31. He surrendered four hits and two runs across 4 2/3 innings of work. Buxton's recent performance has been impressive, as he has hit home runs in six of his last nine games, inching closer to major league leaders Yordan Alvarez of Houston and Kyle Schwarber of Philadelphia.

In relief, the Twins' bullpen was effective, allowing only one hit over the final 4 1/3 innings. Taylor Rogers (3-3) entered to strike out Pederson, his only batter faced, to conclude the fifth inning. Andrew Morris pitched a flawless sixth, while Eric Orze gave up a single over 1 2/3 innings. Yoendrys Gómez closed out the game, retiring the last four Rangers batters for his second save in as many days, and his seventh of the season, six of which have come while playing for Minnesota.

For the Rangers, Josh Smith made his return from a six-week absence, appearing off the bench and fouling out on the first pitch he saw from Orze. Smith's time away from the game was attributed to a glute strain, wrist inflammation, and a hospitalization due to viral meningitis. Meanwhile, Twins newcomer Kyler Fedko made his major league debut as a left fielder, going 0 for 4 and striking out twice against Texas lefty Mackenzie Gore, who recorded a season-high 10 strikeouts in seven innings while allowing four hits and four runs.

Looking ahead, the Twins will send right-hander Zebby Matthews (2-4, 5.20 ERA) to the mound against Texas righty Kumar Rocker (2-5, 3.56) in their next matchup on Tuesday.