Buxton homered and doubled in five at-bats, his 29th homer setting a career high and tying the Target Field mark as the Twins toppled the Padres 7-2 to clinch the series. Joe Ryan spun seven scoreless innings, punching out eight and overpowering San Diego’s lineup. Minnesota’s MVP debate centers on Buxton vs. Ryan as the two stars pace the team’s 2025 WAR race, and the win extends the Twins’ mastery over the Padres at Target Field.

Buxton’s 111 mph line-drive double in the fifth ignited a three-run frame, while Ryan worked out of trouble repeatedly, leaving runners stranded on third on several occasions. The Padres struggled on the road, the Twins kept rolling, and the upcoming quartet with the White Sox offers another test for Minnesota’s playoff push.