Sometimes in baseball , all you can do is tip your cap. Literally. That’s what Minnesota Twins slugger Byron Buxton had to resort to on Friday when Baltimore Orioles center fielder Cendric Mullins robbed a three-run home run.
In the bottom of the fourth of a 0-0 game, Buxton appeared to blast a three-run shot over the centerfield wall to give the Twins a lead. But Mullins ruined those plans, leaping into the air to make a miraculous catch and keep the game scoreless.
Buxton — who thought he added another home run to his total this season — couldn’t believe it. After he saw Mullins’ insane snag, he seemed to be in utter disbelief. When he finally recognized what happened, he simply tipped his helmet to the center fielder.
What’s the saying the kids are using these days? Game recognize game?
Buxton finished the game going 0-for-4 at the plate with a strikeout. Mullins also struggled in the box, striking out on two of his three at-bats. He was able to manage a pivotal RBI in the contest, though.
After the game, Buxton was asked about being robbed by Mullins of a home run. He provided a simplistic answer.
“It’s baseball. It is what it is,” Buxton said, per Dan Hayes of The Athletic. “Good player. Can’t do nothing about it. Come back tomorrow and do it again.”
As it turns out, that three-run homer would’ve been pretty beneficial for Minnesota. The Orioles defeated the Twins 3-1 in 10 innings on Friday.
Byron Buxton still enjoying a strong season
Although his home run was robbed by Mullins on Friday, Buxton is still enjoying a strong campaign with the Twins. Here’s near the top of the team’s statistical leaders in multiple categories.
Buxton and Joey Gallo lead the team with 15 home runs each — although Buxton would own the lead had it not been for Mullins. He also ranks second in RBIs (34) and third in extra base hits (13).
Despite his solid numbers, Buxton missed out on a second-straight All-Star appearance. He earned a trip to the All-Star Game in 2022, the first of his career. The 29-year-old has spent his entire career with the Twins.
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