As superstar center fielder Byron Buxton prepares for a homecoming this week with the Home Run Derby and the All Star Game taking place at Truist Park in Atlanta, it’s fitting that injury scare last week briefly threatened his ability to compete.

Louie Varland, Brock Stewart and Griffin Jax combined 3.1 scoreless innings and only one hit, but Duran let Pittsburgh retake the lead with three hits in the ninth inning. The Twins got one runner on base in the ninth inning before falling 2-1.

Buxton was born and raised in Baxley, Ga., which is located in the southeastern portion of the state. Baxley is about 3.5 hours south of Atlanta, located more in rural Georgia, and is actually closer to Florida, sitting just over two hours away from Jacksonville.

Spencer Horwitz had a bases-loaded RBI ground out in the ninth inning and the Pittsburgh Pirates ended an eight-game slide by beating the Minnesota Twins 2-1.

Not only has Byron Buxton racked up 21 HRs and 17 SBs so far this season, but the Minnesota Twins outfielder has also managed to avoid getting caught stealing.

The stage is set for a fun Friday night at Target Field featuring Ryan vs. fellow All-Star Paul Skenes and a postgame concert.

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — Minnesota Twins All-Star center fielder Byron Buxton hit for the cycle Saturday against the Pittsburgh Pirates. The cycle was the first for any player in Target Field history since the ballpark opened in 2010. It was the first cycle by a Twins player since Jorge Polanco had one in 2019.