Buxton's 19th multi-homer game moves him to third on Twins' list

MINNEAPOLIS -- Whenever a ball is hit to center field at Target Field, you can usually tell if it’s a sure out based on Byron Buxton’s reaction. The same can be said for his reaction after he takes a swing for the fences.

Buxton had not only one, but two home runs in the Twins' 9-5 loss to the Marlins on Wednesday night, both of which were the first pitch of his at-bat against Marlins starter, and Woodbury, Minn., native Max Meyer.

With those two home runs, Buxton achieved history with the 19th multi-homer game of his career, moving into third on Minnesota's all-time list. When he’s on this good of a roll, Twins manager Derek Shelton knows how to best keep it going.

“Just don’t talk to him and leave him alone and let him stay in that tree because he’s in it right now,” Shelton said. “He’s having good swings. He’s an elite player, and we’re seeing that."

Buxton already had one multi-home run game this season on April 14 in a 6-0 victory over the Boston Red Sox at Target Field. That tied him with Tony Oliva and Roy Sievers for the third-most all time in Twins/Senators franchise history. His two home runs on Wednesday moved him into third on the all-time list, behind Justin Morneau (20) and Harmon Killebrew (45).

While it may be a while before he catches up to Killebrew, passing Morneau is well within reach this season if he keeps up his current hot streak. Buxton’s 15 home runs on the year have come in his past 26 games, where he’s put up a .298/.350/.728 slash line along with 22 RBIs.

Buxton had already made Twins home run history with the most home runs in Target Field history, with 85 (which has since been extended to 94), surpassing Max Kepler’s previous record of 84 on April 13.

The Twins have gone 7-6 in games in which Buxton has homered this season.