Twins Win Hard-Fought 12-Inning Game Against Red Sox

A marathon affair at Fenway Park

The Minnesota Twins extended their winning streak to seven games with a thrilling 5-4 victory over the Boston Red Sox in a 12-inning marathon at Fenway Park on Saturday. The game was tied 4-4 after nine innings, and neither team could score in the 10th or 11th innings.

Buxton's heroics in the 12th

In the top of the 12th inning, Byron Buxton hit a one-out double off Red Sox reliever Matt Barnes. Buxton advanced to third on a groundout by Jorge Polanco, and then scored the winning run on a sacrifice fly by Gio Urshela.

Gray's strong start

Sonny Gray started for the Twins and allowed just two runs on six hits over 6 1/3 innings. He struck out nine batters and walked one. The Red Sox scored their first run off Gray in the second inning on a sacrifice fly by Rafael Devers, and they tied the game 2-2 in the fourth inning on a solo home run by Xander Bogaerts.

Sano's big hit

Miguel Sano gave the Twins a 3-2 lead in the fifth inning with a solo home run off Red Sox starter Nick Pivetta. The Red Sox tied the game again in the sixth inning on a sacrifice fly by Christian Arroyo, but the Twins took the lead for good in the 12th inning on Buxton's double.

Bullpen battle

The bullpens of both teams were outstanding. The Twins bullpen allowed just one run over 5 2/3 innings, while the Red Sox bullpen allowed just two runs over 6 1/3 innings.

Conclusion

The Twins' victory was their seventh in a row, and it moved them into a tie with the Cleveland Guardians for first place in the AL Central. The Red Sox, meanwhile, have lost four of their last five games and are now 3 1/2 games behind the Twins in the division.