Twins Outlast Red Sox After Long Delay: Minnesota Secures 6-4 Victory

By Oliver Wiener July 29, 2025 10:38

The Minnesota Twins emerged victorious in a hard-fought 6-4 win over the Boston Red Sox, prevailing after a weather delay tested both teams' endurance and focus at Target Field on July 28, 2025. The lengthy 2-hour, 15-minute rain delay didn't dampen the Twins’ resolve as they executed key plays down the stretch to secure the come-from-behind triumph in front of a raucous home crowd.

Minnesota trailed early when Boston starter Chris Sale dominated the Twins lineup through the first four innings, holding the Twins scoreless while striking out eight. The Red Sox capitalized on Sale’s sharp pitching with solo home runs from Rafael Devers and Bobby Dalbec, helping Boston build a 3-1 lead heading into the mid-game stretch. Sale's command and swing-and-miss stuff were emblematic of his season, as he boasts a sub-3.00 ERA and leads the Red Sox rotation with 176 strikeouts.

However, the game’s momentum shifted following the rain delay in the seventh inning. Twins’ manager, Rocco Baldelli, credited the team’s resilience: “The delay shook things up, but our guys stayed locked in. We knew we had to adjust and attack differently, and the way the group responded was outstanding.” After the break, Minnesota’s bats came alive, fueled by clutch hitting and aggressive baserunning.

By the eighth inning, the Twins rallied with a multi-run burst. Jorge Polanco sparked the offense with a pivotal two-run single, cutting the deficit to 4-3. Polanco’s season has been stellar, now boasting a .289 batting average along with 15 home runs and 68 RBIs, making him a cornerstone of Minnesota’s lineup. Following Polanco, Byron Buxton showcased his speed and power with a solo home run to tie the game at 4-4, electrifying the home fans.

Minnesota’s bullpen was equally impressive in the late innings. Reliever Devin Smeltzer pitched two shutout innings, maintaining composure under pressure while striking out three and allowing no baserunners. Closer Gregory Soto then entered in the ninth to shut down Boston's final rally attempt, recording his 21st save of the year and solidifying Minnesota's hold on the game.

On the Red Sox side, the offense struggled to maintain their early momentum after the delay. Despite strong efforts from Devers and Dalbec, Boston hitters couldn’t capitalize in the high-leverage moments of the late innings. The bullpen, usually reliable, faltered as Minnesota’s hitters adjusted well to their pitches.

Manager Alex Cora acknowledged the challenge, stating, “The delay disrupted our rhythm, and credit to Minnesota for taking advantage. We fought hard, but the Twins earned that win with clutch execution late in the game.” The loss dropped Boston’s record to 55-52, while Minnesota improved to 57-50, staying comfortably in the hunt for a playoff spot in the fiercely contested American League Central.

Statistically, the Twins out-hit Boston 11 to 8 and demonstrated superior baserunning with four stolen bases. Their balanced attack, coupled with timely relief pitching, underscored the fundamentals that have propelled them to consistent success this season.

Minnesota’s 6-4 victory over Boston after the extended rain delay epitomized grit and perseverance. The Twins peeled back adversity and pressure to deliver key hits and airtight bullpen work in a thrilling late-game finish. As Polanco summed up, “Games like this test your character. We stayed together, stayed patient, and in the end, we came through.” With the summer stretch underway, Minnesota looks poised to build on this momentum toward the postseason.