Twins Crush Red Sox 13-6 as Buxton Hits Historic Home Run

Boston starter Garrett Crochet struggles, surrendering 11 runs in just 1⅔ innings

Apr. 14, 2026 at 9:49am

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A fragmented, geometric painting depicting a baseball game, with overlapping shapes and planes representing the action on the field.A cubist interpretation of the Twins' offensive onslaught and Buxton's historic home run at Target Field.Boston Today

The Minnesota Twins cruised to a 13-6 victory over the Boston Red Sox on Monday night at Target Field. Boston ace Garrett Crochet had a disastrous outing, giving up 11 runs in just 1⅔ innings pitched. Meanwhile, Twins center fielder Byron Buxton made franchise history by hitting his 85th career home run at Target Field, becoming the ballpark's all-time leader.

Why it matters

The loss represents another concerning chapter in what's shaping up to be a challenging campaign for the Red Sox, raising questions about their pitching depth and ability to compete in the tough American League East division. For the Twins, the offensive explosion and Buxton's milestone homer demonstrate the team's championship aspirations and their ability to capitalize on opponents' mistakes.

The details

Crochet's struggles began immediately, as the Twins jumped on him for multiple runs in the opening frame and never let up. The left-hander's 11 runs allowed tied for the most given up by a Red Sox starter in fewer than two innings in recent memory. Meanwhile, Buxton's fifth-inning solo shot broke a tie with former teammate Max Kepler for the most home runs hit at Target Field, extending the Twins' lead to 12-3 and capping off a dominant offensive display.

  • The game took place on Monday, April 14, 2026.
  • Buxton's record-breaking home run came in the fifth inning.

The players

Garrett Crochet

Boston Red Sox ace pitcher who was acquired from the Chicago White Sox in the offseason.

Byron Buxton

Minnesota Twins veteran center fielder who hit his 85th career home run at Target Field, becoming the ballpark's all-time leader.

Max Kepler

Former Minnesota Twins outfielder who held the previous record for most home runs hit at Target Field.

Alex Cora

Manager of the Boston Red Sox.

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What they’re saying

“I ain't done yet”

— Byron Buxton

What’s next

The Red Sox will look to bounce back from this defeat as they continue their series against the Twins, while Minnesota will aim to build on their offensive momentum and solidify their position as contenders in the AL Central.

The takeaway

This game highlights the challenges the Red Sox are facing in their pitching rotation, as well as the offensive firepower of the Twins, who have shown they can capitalize on opponents' mistakes. Buxton's historic home run at Target Field serves as an exclamation point on Minnesota's impressive performance.