MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — Byron Buxton stole home in the seventh inning on May 13, 2026, as the Minnesota Twins completed a 3-0 shutout of the Miami Marlins in Miami. Bailey Ober tossed a two‑hit, 89‑pitch masterpiece for his first career shutout, giving Minnesota its third straight win.
The numbers reveal that Ober’s ERA dropped to 3.45 after the game, while his WHIP settled at 0.98, underscoring the pitching surge that has powered the Twins’ recent run.
Why the Twins’ aggressive baserunning matters
Byron Buxton’s daring move came after Trevor Larnach’s fifth‑inning single pushed him to third, setting the stage for a double‑steal that caught the Marlins off guard. The steal, the first of Buxton’s career, put Minnesota ahead 2‑1 before Ryan Jeffers added a two‑run homer to seal the win.
Statcast shows Buxton’s sprint speed at 30.5 feet per second, ranking him in the top three percent of MLB players and confirming his status as a game‑changing asset on the basepaths.
Background to the Twins’ winning streak
Byron Buxton, a five‑tool star, has been a catalyst for the Twins’ resurgence. The team entered Miami on a three‑game winning streak, having tightened its pitching depth and embraced high‑risk baserunning. Ober’s shutout marks his third complete game and the first time he has finished a contest without allowing a hit beyond two innings, a milestone that highlights Minnesota’s defensive improvement.
According to Fox Sports, the Twins now boast a +3 run differential and have won three straight games, a stretch that could propel them back into the AL Central race.
Key developments
- Ober improved his career shutout total to two, joining a select group of Twins pitchers with multiple shutouts.
- Buxton’s steal broke a 12‑year drought for the franchise; the last Twin to steal home did so in 2014.
- Jeffers’ two‑run homer lifted his season total to 12, matching his career high for a single season.
- The Twins’ bullpen posted a 0.00 ERA in the ninth, preserving the shutout with three flawless innings.
- Marlins starter Eury Perez left with a 1‑0 lead after five innings, his first quality start of the season.
What’s next for Minnesota?
Byron Buxton will return to Target Field for a weekend series against the Chicago White Sox, where his speed is expected to keep the pressure on opposing pitchers. Manager Rocco Baldelli plans to keep Ober in the rotation while leaning on Buxton’s baserunning to generate extra bases. If the Twins sustain this blend of dominant pitching and aggressive baserunning, they could narrow the gap on the division leader before the mid‑season trade deadline.
When was the last time a Twin stole home before Buxton?
The previous Twins player to steal home was Torii Hunter in 2014, making Buxton’s feat the first in 12 years.
How does Buxton’s defensive value rank in the league?
According to FanGraphs, Buxton posted a Defensive Runs Saved (DRS) total of 12 in 2025, placing him among the top ten center fielders.
What impact did Ober’s shutout have on his season stats?
Ober’s shutout lowered his WHIP to 0.98 and raised his strikeout‑to‑walk ratio to 6.0, both career bests.