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Bell's Three-Run Homer Lifts Twins Past Rangers 4-2

Josh Bell launched a three-run home run in the first inning, helping the Minnesota Twins defeat the Texas Rangers 4-2 at Globe Life Field on Tuesday.

Emmett Hollis

June 16, 20262 min read

MLBFinal
Minnesota Twins4
Texas Rangers2

June 16, 2026

Bell's Early Power

Josh Bell provided the offensive spark for the Minnesota Twins on Tuesday, launching a three-run home run in the first inning to establish an early lead. The blast traveled 376 feet to left field, giving the Twins a 3-0 advantage and setting the tone for the remainder of the contest. The home run also drove in Martin and Lewis, providing significant momentum for the visiting team as they looked to upset the home crowd at Globe Life Field in Arlington.

Rangers Respond and Tie Game

The Texas Rangers managed to answer back in the third inning, cutting into the deficit with a powerful swing of their own. Joc Pederson homered to right field, a shot that measured 394 feet. The home run scored Díaz, bringing the Rangers within one run at 3-2. Despite the rally, the Twins' pitching staff maintained their composure, preventing further damage and keeping the game within reach for Minnesota.

Twins Extend Lead in Sixth

Minnesota reclaimed a two-run advantage in the sixth inning when Byron Buxton added his 23rd home run of the season. Buxton's shot traveled 398 feet to left center field, extending the Twins' lead to 4-2. The home run proved to be the decisive margin of victory, as the Rangers were unable to generate any further offense to tie or take the lead. The Twins held on to secure the 4-2 win, improving their record to 34-40.

Pitching Performance

Minnesota's bullpen played a crucial role in preserving the victory after starter Mike Paredes took the loss. Paredes pitched 4.2 innings, allowing four hits and two earned runs while striking out two batters. Taylor Rogers earned the win with 0.1 scoreless innings, striking out one batter. Andrew Morris and Eric Orze contributed with 1.0 and 1.2 innings respectively, combining for four strikeouts without allowing any runs. Yoendrys Gomez closed out the game with 1.1 innings of work, earning his seventh save of the season.

For the Rangers, MacKenzie Gore started the game but took the loss, pitching 7.0 innings with four hits allowed, four earned runs, two walks, and 10 strikeouts. Peyton Gray and Joe Ross each pitched one inning of scoreless relief, with Gray striking out one batter and Ross retiring the side in order. The final attendance at Globe Life Field was 25,957, as the Rangers fell to 35-37 on the season.

Sources

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

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Emmett Hollis

Emmett Hollis covers Howe high school sports and athletics across the area.

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