Twins center fielder Byron Buxton hit his third homer in four games -- and 20th of the season -- to propel Minnesota to a 6-4 win over the Tigers on Wednesday night at Comerica Park. Buxton downplayed his heroics afterward, saying, “It's more so me bearing down in those situations and trying to get my job done.” Minnesota manager Derek Shelton put Buxton's slugging into perspective, though: “Credit to him. He just continues to do really good things for us this year. I mean, he’s one of the premier players in the American League.” Buxton's Statcast-projected 413-foot blast gave the Twins a three-run lead in the top of the fifth inning. Making his first career start, Mike Paredes allowed one run in three innings, struck out four and allowed just one hit, a two-out RBI double by Gleyber Torres. Buxton nearly made a spectacular diving grab on Torres’ liner, and Paredes then hit the dangerous Kerry Carpenter. Was the third inning about to unravel for the rookie? Pitching coach Pete Maki made a mound visit with Detroit’s RBI leader, Dillon Dingler, coming to the plate. Two pitches later, Paredes coaxed Dingler into a flyout to end his day on a high note. “Paredes’ first start, I give him a ton of credit,” Shelton said. “It’s hot, and to be able to go out and give us three innings, I felt that was outstanding." It proved to be the first of three critical outs the Twins secured with Dingler in position to change the outcome. Shelton said he likely would’ve changed pitchers after the 67-minute rain delay entering the bottom of the first had it been a traditional starter, but Paredes’ bullpen background swayed him to stay with the rookie. “This was obviously a great experience,” Paredes said. “My first big league start, stuff you dream about as a little kid. ... Obviously, Dingler’s a great hitter. To be able to get out of that spot was great; it was awesome.”
