Twins Edge White Sox 4-2 Behind Ober’s Strong Start, Larnach’s Homer, and Buxton’s Heroics

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — Bailey Ober delivered six strong innings to earn his second consecutive win, Trevor Larnach blasted a clutch two-run homer, and Byron Buxton sealed the Minnesota Twins’ 4-2 victory over the Chicago White Sox on Tuesday night with a game-saving diving catch.

The Twins found themselves in a jam in the ninth, as the White Sox loaded the bases with an infield single and two walks off closer Jhoan Duran. But with two outs and the tying runs in scoring position, Andrew Benintendi drove a liner to right-center — only for Buxton to come up with a dramatic leaping grab at the warning track, securing Duran’s second save in as many chances.

Ober (2-1) was sharp, allowing just one run on eight hits while striking out six. After a rough season debut where he gave up eight runs in less than three innings, he’s rebounded impressively — giving up only six runs over his last four starts spanning 22 1/3 innings.

Rookie Luke Keaschall, in just his fourth MLB game since being called up on Friday, had a standout performance with a single, two walks, two stolen bases, and two runs scored. He helped Minnesota snap a three-game skid.

Larnach’s second home run of the season came in the eighth after Keaschall reached base and stole second, stretching the Twins’ lead late.

For Chicago, starter Davis Martin (1-3) pitched five innings, allowing two unearned runs on three hits and three walks. Rookie catcher Edgar Quero had a career-best night with three hits in just his sixth big-league game, but the White Sox dropped their eighth game in nine tries and fell to 5-18 on the season.

Keaschall also scored the go-ahead run in the third inning following one of two White Sox errors. A weak tapper by Larnach turned into a run when Quero’s throw hit the batter, allowing Keaschall to score from second.

Chicago’s struggles continued — they’re now 1-10 on the road and just 1-9 against AL Central opponents. Over their last 25 games against the Twins, they’ve gone 3-22, having been outscored 157-83, and have lost 13 straight at Target Field.

Up Next:
Minnesota will send rookie right-hander David Festa (0-0, 0.00 ERA) to the mound for his third start of the season. Chicago counters with righty Bryse Wilson (0-0, 4.50 ERA), making his first start since June 20 of last year, when he was with Milwaukee.