Twins vs Guardians Recap: Late Double Lifts Cleveland to Narrow Win

The Minnesota Twins traveled to Cleveland on Saturday night ready to bounce back after losing Friday's close game 6-4. Both teams relied on their strong pitching staffs to stay competitive throughout the season. Joe Ryan took the mound for Minnesota, while Tanner Bibee started for Cleveland. The Guardians entered with a solid 21-20 record, but the Twins needed this victory as they worked through their rebuilding phase. Early in the game, the Twins got their offense rolling quickly. Byron Buxton, Minnesota's talented outfielder, stepped up to the plate in the first inning with confidence. When Tanner Bibee delivered an eighty-seven mile per hour cutter, Buxton was ready. He connected powerfully, sending the ball soaring 378 feet over the left field wall for an immediate one-run lead. The crack of the bat echoed through the stadium as Minnesota jumped ahead 1-0. This early momentum gave the Twins hope for a positive outcome.

Although the Twins held a one-run lead, Cleveland's pitching kept Minnesota from scoring more runs in the early innings. The Guardians' balanced rotation showed why they were built around reliable arms and consistent depth. However, the home team remained patient at the plate, waiting for their opportunity to strike back. In the fourth inning, Cleveland finally got their chance to score. With a runner on first base and one out, Guardians batter Manzardo stepped to the plate facing Joe Ryan. When Ryan delivered a splitter at eighty-seven miles per hour, Manzardo made solid contact with the pitch. His quick swing produced a single to right field, and the runner on first raced home. The score quickly became tied 1-1. This clutch hit showed Cleveland's ability to execute timely offense when it mattered. The game remained tense as both teams battled for control heading into the later innings.

The game remained locked in a tight 1-1 tie as both teams fought through eight more innings. Neither pitching staff gave an inch, and the batters struggled to break through the opposing defenses. The tension built with every pitch as this became an extra-inning battle. In the eleventh inning, Minnesota got another chance with runners in scoring position. Byron Buxton stepped up again, this time with a runner on third base and one out. The moment felt critical for the Twins, who desperately needed a win. When Cleveland's pitcher unleashed a ninety-six mile per hour fastball, Buxton was locked in and ready. His bat exploded through the zone, connecting with tremendous power. The ball rocketed into center field and landed safely as a double. The runner on third raced home easily, giving Minnesota a 2-1 lead. Buxton had done it again, delivering when his team needed him most. The Twins held on to win this dramatic eleven-inning thriller, improving their record.