Quick Read
- Royce Lewis hit a grand slam and made a crucial defensive play to lead the Twins to a 9-7 win.
- Lewis’ grand slam was his first since 2023 and came during a challenging season.
- The Twins’ bullpen held off a late White Sox rally to secure the victory.
Royce Lewis, the Minnesota Twins’ infielder, delivered a standout performance on Friday night, August 22, 2025, as his team faced off against the Chicago White Sox at Guaranteed Rate Field. In a game that featured high drama and pivotal moments, Lewis’ contributions—both offensively and defensively—were instrumental in securing the Twins’ 9-7 victory.
Royce Lewis’ Grand Slam: A Blast from the Past
Lewis, who has struggled with inconsistency this season, reminded everyone of his prodigious talent in the fourth inning. With the bases loaded and the Twins trailing 1-0, Lewis stepped up to the plate. On the very first pitch from White Sox starter Aaron Civale, Lewis launched a cutter 386 feet into left field for his sixth career grand slam. The hit marked his first grand slam since September 2023 and gave the Twins a commanding 4-1 lead.
The grand slam not only electrified the Twins’ dugout but also highlighted Lewis’ ability to rise to the occasion. “It’s awesome, especially when it all comes together,” Lewis said postgame, as quoted by MLB.com. “Tonight, to be able to contribute both offensively and defensively was really cool.” His performance against the White Sox has been particularly strong throughout his career; he boasts a .448 batting average with five home runs and 18 RBIs in just eight games against Chicago.
A Game-Saving Defensive Play
While Lewis’ grand slam grabbed headlines, his defensive prowess in the eighth inning was equally crucial. With the Twins clinging to an 8-7 lead and the White Sox threatening to tie the game, Lewis chased down a foul popup from Colson Montgomery near the third-base line. In a remarkable display of athleticism and awareness, he turned and fired a perfect throw home to catcher Ryan Jeffers, tagging out Miguel Vargas, who was attempting to score. The play not only preserved the Twins’ lead but also showcased Lewis’ all-around skill set. “Out at the plate!” the Twins’ broadcast team exclaimed during the live play, encapsulating the game’s intensity.
“These are the moments you live for as a player,” said Twins manager Rocco Baldelli in a postgame interview with Sports Illustrated. “Lewis stepped up in a way that few players can.”
Offensive Contributions Beyond the Grand Slam
Lewis’ night wasn’t limited to his early heroics. In the sixth inning, he singled, stole second base, and scored on a hit by Trevor Larnach to break a 4-4 tie. He added another single in the ninth inning, setting up an insurance run that helped the Twins secure their victory. Overall, Lewis went 3-for-5 at the plate, marking one of the most complete games of his career.
Other Twins players also contributed to the win. Byron Buxton, Luke Keaschall, and Edouard Julien joined Lewis in recording multi-hit games. Despite a shaky outing by starting pitcher Zebby Matthews, who allowed four runs over 4.2 innings, the Twins’ bullpen, led by Justin Topa, held on to close out the game. Topa earned his third save of the season.
A Season of Challenges for Royce Lewis
Lewis’ standout performance comes during a challenging season. After bursting onto the MLB scene in 2023 with a historic rookie campaign, injuries and inconsistency have plagued his development. In a pregame interview, Lewis admitted that he hasn’t felt “comfortable” at the plate all year. From July 27 to August 16, he posted a dismal .443 OPS, compounded by the Twins’ midseason roster shake-ups. “It’s hard to make full adjustments during the season,” Lewis explained. “But I’m happy to be healthy and playing consistently. That’s what matters most.”
Friday night’s game may signal a turning point for Lewis, who has shown flashes of his superstar potential. His teammates and fans alike are hopeful that this performance will help reignite his confidence as the Twins look to salvage what has been a difficult season.
Looking Ahead
The Twins and White Sox, both languishing near the bottom of the American League standings, will continue their series on Saturday evening. Mick Abel, a recent acquisition from the Phillies, is set to make his Twins debut. Despite their struggles this season, the Twins are banking on players like Lewis to provide a spark and build momentum for the future.
Royce Lewis’ performance on Friday night was a reminder of his immense talent and potential. With his bat, glove, and arm, he demonstrated why he remains a cornerstone of the Twins’ future. Fans can only hope that this is the beginning of a strong finish to his season.