Twins 11, Nationals 3: Bats back Bradley, Buxton bombs
Taj Bradley turned in another solid start and the bats offered plenty of run support.
WASHINGTON, DC - MAY 05: Byron Buxton #25 of the Minnesota Twins celebrates after hitting a three run home run against the Washington Nationals during the eighth inning at Nationals Park on May 5, 2026 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images) | Getty Images The Nationals got on the board first in this game. After a walk to Daylen Lile, Curtis Mead doubled to make it 2nd and 3rd with just one out.
CJ Abrams hit a grounder to Luke Keaschall who tried to get Lile out at the plate, but Lile was too quick, putting them up 1-0. The Twins answered back in the 2nd, though, as Brooks Lee hit a 2-run double with 2 outs to put the Twins in front 2-1. After a 26 pitch 1st inning, Bradley allowed a walk to Nasim Nuñez and a single to José Tena.
He retired the next 3 batters, but with his pitch count at 47 through two innings, it was looking like Taj might not have his best stuff tonight. From the 3rd inning on, though, Taj Bradley settled in. He made quick work of the Nationals batters in the 3rd and 4th innings, throwing just 18 pitches total.
In the 5th, he gave up a double to Lile then an RBI single to Curtis Mead, but came back with a clean 6th inning to cap off his night. In the 4th, the Twins nearly batted around on Cade Cavalli. After a single and two walks, Brooks Lee hit a grounder to Cavalli that he couldn’t handle, allowing a run to score.