Byron Buxton's monster day lifts Twins past Yankees in spring training

The center fielder went 3-for-3 with two triples and a solo homer.

After a trying season in which Byron Buxton’s health limited him to mostly designated hitting, it appears Buxton is fully healthy, at least if Saturday’s game was any indication.

Buxton had a dominant showing at the plate, starting with a solo homer to left-center field off New York Yankees starter Nestor Cortes in the first inning. Then he hit a pair of triples off Cortes: a bases-clearing triple in the second and another in the fourth. 

The Twins eventually beat the Yankees 10-7 in Fort Myers, Fla.

All in all, Buxton was 3-for-3 with four RBIs. Quite the day for the star center fielder.

Buxton with an easy triple despite being in neutral

He’s going to have a fantastic year pic.twitter.com/Dnjx9HQk9g

— Twins Central (@TwinsCentral1) March 9, 2024

Meanwhile, Carlos Correa went 2-for-3 with two RBIs and Willi Castro went 3-for-3.

On the mound, Bailey Ober started and went three innings, allowing two hits and two runs while striking out three. Simeon Woods Richardson pitched a pair of shutout innings and recorded a strikeout while not allowing a hit or walk. Justin Topa pitched a shutout inning and struck out two while also not allowing a walk or hit. 

Minnesota Twins outfielder Byron Buxton (25) poses for a photo during photo day at Hammond Stadium in Lee County, Fla., on Feb. 22, 2024 :: Kim Klement Neitzel / USA TODAY Sports