Byron Buxton’s Timely Blast Powers Twins Past Mets as Nolan McLean’s Small Mistake Proves Costly in 5-3 Thriller

The Minnesota Twins secured a gritty 5-3 victory over the New York Mets on Tuesday night at Citi Field, snapping their four-game losing streak while extending the Mets’ brutal skid to 12 consecutive losses. Center fielder Byron Buxton delivered the decisive blow with a two-run home run off Mets starter Nolan McLean in the sixth inning, turning a tense pitcher’s duel into a dramatic late-game swing in momentum.

The game, however, may be remembered as much for what led up to Buxton’s homer as for the swing itself.

Buxton’s Game-Changing Moment in the Sixth Inning

With Minnesota trailing and McLean dealing at an elite level through five innings, Buxton stepped into the box in a crucial spot. The Twins outfielder had already seen McLean earlier in the game, and what happened next—according to broadcast analysis—played a subtle but important role in the outcome.

Former MLB All-Star and Mets analyst Ron Darling explained that McLean, after nearly hitting Buxton with an inside sinker earlier in the at-bat sequence, briefly apologized to his former Team USA teammate. Darling suggested that this moment may have unintentionally given Buxton valuable insight into the pitcher’s next move.

As Darling noted, hitters often interpret an apology from a pitcher as a sign of intent to work away from the body on the next pitch. Whether intentional or not, McLean’s next offering was a cutter on the outer half of the plate.

Buxton did not miss it.

He launched the pitch 374 feet over the left-field wall, cutting the Mets’ lead to just one run and completely shifting the tone of the game.

Nolan McLean’s Strong Start Unravels in One Sequence

Despite the costly sixth-inning pitch, McLean was otherwise dominant. The young right-hander carried a perfect game deep into the contest, striking out eight batters through five innings while keeping Minnesota completely off balance.

His command and pitch sequencing were sharp early, and he looked poised to guide the Mets to a long-awaited victory that could have snapped their double-digit losing streak.

The breakdown began in the sixth inning when Matt Wallner led off with a single—ending McLean’s perfect game bid. Even then, McLean responded well, retiring the next two hitters and seemingly regaining control of the inning.

But Buxton’s home run changed everything.

Mets Offense Shows Life, Then Disappears Late

The Mets had built an early cushion thanks to shortstop Francisco Lindor, who delivered a three-run home run in the third inning to give New York a 3-0 lead. At that point, Citi Field had every reason to believe the team was finally on its way to ending the losing streak.

However, the offense stalled as the game progressed, and Minnesota slowly chipped away at the deficit.

After Buxton’s homer made it 3-2, the Twins continued applying pressure. Second baseman Luke Keaschall later delivered a crucial RBI single in the seventh inning to tie the game, erasing what had once been a comfortable Mets lead.

From there, momentum fully shifted toward Minnesota.

Bullpen Collapse Extends Mets’ Nightmare

If McLean’s sixth-inning pitch was the turning point, the Mets bullpen ensured the consequences were fully realized.

Right-handed reliever Devin Williams, who signed a three-year, $51 million deal in the offseason, struggled dramatically in the ninth inning. He failed to record an out and allowed two runs, putting the Mets in immediate danger of another late-game collapse.

Managerial intervention came quickly, with Austin Warren entering in relief and restoring order by striking out three consecutive batters in a high-pressure situation with the bases loaded. Despite Warren’s escape act, the damage had already been done.

Minnesota reliever Cole Sands, who had quietly delivered a perfect eighth inning, closed out the ninth with another clean frame to secure the win for the Twins.

Ron Darling’s Breakdown Highlights Mental Side of Pitching

The most discussed aspect of the game afterward was Ron Darling’s explanation of McLean’s interaction with Buxton.

Darling, who pitched 13 seasons in Major League Baseball, emphasized how subtle psychological cues between pitcher and hitter can influence outcomes at the highest level. In his view, McLean’s apology may have unintentionally signaled his next approach, giving Buxton the edge he needed.

The takeaway was not necessarily about intent, but about experience.

McLean, still developing at the major league level, showed elite stuff throughout the night. However, Darling suggested that small moments of in-game communication and emotional expression can sometimes shift advantage in ways that are difficult to measure but very real in outcome.

Twins Capitalize While Mets Continue Slide

For Minnesota, the win represents a much-needed reset after a difficult stretch of baseball. The offense showed resilience, the bullpen held firm, and Buxton once again proved why he remains one of the most dangerous center fielders in the league when healthy.

The Twins now look to build momentum as they continue their series against New York, with Game 2 scheduled for Wednesday evening. Top pitching prospect Connor Prielipp is expected to take the mound for Minnesota, while the Mets are slated to counter with Clay Holmes.

For New York, the focus is increasingly shifting from individual games to breaking a now 12-game losing streak that continues to spiral despite strong individual performances like McLean’s.

Final Takeaway: One Pitch, One Moment, One Swing

Baseball games often hinge on small details, and Tuesday night was a perfect example. Nolan McLean’s outing was nearly flawless for five innings. Byron Buxton’s swing was perfectly timed. And a brief in-game interaction became a talking point that may have influenced one of the most pivotal pitches of the night.

In the end, the Twins walked away with a 5-3 win—but the story will be remembered for how quickly momentum can shift at the highest level of the game.