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Bell's Early Barrage Powers Twins Past Rangers 4-2

Josh Bell's three-run homer in the first inning set the tone as the Minnesota Twins defeated the Texas Rangers 4-2 at Globe Life Field on Tuesday.

Cody Ferris

June 16, 20262 min read

MLBFinal
Minnesota Twins4
Texas Rangers2

June 16, 2026

Early Power Surge

Josh Bell provided the decisive offensive spark for the Minnesota Twins, launching a three-run home run in the first inning to establish an early lead over the Texas Rangers. Bell’s blast traveled 376 feet to left field, giving Minnesota a 3-0 advantage and setting the tempo for the contest at Globe Life Field.

The Twins extended their lead in the third inning when Byron Buxton added to the offensive output. Buxton’s home run to left center, measuring 398 feet, proved to be the final scoring play of the game, pushing the score to 4-2. The Rangers managed to get on the board in the third inning as Pederson hit a two-run homer to right field (394 feet), making the score 3-2 before Buxton’s solo shot restored the two-run deficit.

Pitching Performances

Minnesota’s bullpen worked efficiently to preserve the lead after starter Mike Paredes exited the game. Paredes pitched 4.2 innings, allowing four hits and two earned runs while striking out two batters. He was followed by Taylor Rogers, who secured the win with 0.1 innings of scoreless relief, earning his third victory of the season with a 3-3 record. Rogers was supported by Andrew Morris, who recorded the ninth save of the year by pitching one inning with two strikeouts, and Eric Orze, who contributed one hitless inning with one strikeout.

Yoendrys Gomez closed out the game with 1.1 innings of work, earning his seventh save of the season. He allowed no hits, no earned runs, and recorded one strikeout.

For the Rangers, MacKenzie Gore started and pitched seven innings, but could not prevent the loss. Gore allowed four hits and four earned runs, walking two batters while striking out ten. He took the loss, dropping his record to 4-6. Peyton Gray and Joe Ross each pitched one inning of scoreless relief, with Gray recording one strikeout and Ross allowing no strikeouts.

Game Details and Records

The game was played on Tuesday, June 16, 2026, at Globe Life Field in Arlington, Texas, with an attendance of 25,957. The final score was 4-2 in favor of the Minnesota Twins.

With the victory, the Minnesota Twins improved their record to 34-40. The Texas Rangers fell to 35-37 on the season. Both teams continue their respective campaigns with no immediate playoff implications or series clinches determined by this single contest.

Sources

https://www.espn.com/mlb/game/_/gameId/401815769

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Cody Ferris

Cody Ferris covers Van Alstyne Panthers athletics and area high school and college sports.

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