Buxton's three-run homer helped power Minnesota to a 6-4 victory over the Detroit Tigers, but it was what accompanied the blast that made history. By combining a home run with a stolen base in the same game, Buxton recorded the 19th such game of his career, tying Torii Hunter for the most in Twins history.
Long known for his elite defense and speed, Buxton has continued to show he can impact games in virtually every way imaginable when healthy. Hunter's mark stood for years as one of the more unique records in the Twins record book. Reaching it places Buxton alongside one of the franchise's most beloved players and provides another reminder of just how rare his combination of power and speed remains.
Byron Buxton ties Torii Hunter for all-time #MNTwins lead in games with a homer and a stolen base (19).
— DanHayesMLB (@DanHayesMLB) June 11, 2026
The homer was also Buxton's 20th of the season, further strengthening what has been one of the most productive campaigns of his career. Buxton is just the third in Twins history to hit 20 or more homers in 69 games. On Wednesday, he joined Harmon Killebrew and Justin Morneau on this short list. It is worth noting that Buxton is the fourth player this season to reach 20 home runs, trailing Kyle Schwarber, Yordan Alvarez, and Munetaka Murakami.
While Buxton provided the biggest swing of the night in the midst of yet another All-Star campaign, he was not the only Twin celebrating a milestone.
Lewis provides reminder of his potential
While Buxton grabbed the headlines, Royce Lewis had a milestone of his own.
Lewis opened the scoring in the second inning with a towering solo home run, the 50th of his major league career and his first since being recalled from Triple-A St. Paul. The blast left his bat at 107.6 mph, launched at 32 degrees, and traveled an estimated 444 feet. For a player still looking to regain his footing in the majors, it was an encouraging swing.
The former No. 1 overall pick entered the game batting below the Mendoza Line since returning from St. Paul, but Wednesday offered a glimpse of the player Twins fans have been waiting to see more consistently. After struggling enough to earn a trip back to Triple-A earlier this season, Lewis forced his way back into the conversation with a strong showing for the Saints.
Wowzers. Royce Lewis crushes one 444ft to left center and puts the Twins up 1-0 in the 2nd. That's the 50th homer of his career and he is PUMPED UP! #AudraDugoutCam pic.twitter.com/oQhOZywJnY
— Audra Martin (@Audra_Martin) June 11, 2026
The Twins have also been asking him to do more than hit. Lewis has begun seeing time at first base, giving Minnesota another option as the club tries to fit its best bats into the lineup. That adjustment has coincided with Kody Clemens spending more time in the outfield despite being one of the Twins' most productive hitters this season.
Whether fans agree with the alignment or not—and I'm not sure I do, considering Clemens has played 45 games at first base without committing an error this season—neither player has made it an issue. Clemens has shifted to the outfield when asked, while Lewis has embraced the challenge of learning a new position. Whatever one thinks of the move, it says a lot about both players that they have been willing to do what the team needs to make it work.
Still, the Twins didn't recall Lewis to play first base. They recalled him to hit. They recalled him because he put in the work in St. Paul. The Twins don't need Lewis to carry the offense right now. They do, however, need signs that he is becoming the player they believe he can be. A 444-foot home run for career No. 50 was a good place to start.
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