Pregame analysis and predictions of the Houston Astros vs. Minnesota Twins MLB game to be played on April 5, 2025 on ESPN.

Joe Ryan, buzzkill. The Twins’ home opener was off to a rousing start on Thursday, Target Field alive with excitement over Matt Wallner’s leadoff triple, Byron Buxton’s can’t-catch-him infield hit and stolen base,

Christian Walker and Jeremy Peña homered and Brendan Rodgers had three hits and three RBIs to lead the Houston Astros to a 5-2 win over the Minnesota Twins.

The Twins lost to the Astros but Minnesota fans delighted in the first five-strikeout game of Jose Altuve's career.

The Twins hope that a reverse travel schedule helps right-hander Bailey Ober (0-1, 27.00 ERA) find his footing after a rocky season debut. Ober was shelled for eight runs on eight hits in 2 2/3 innings in his first start on the road against the St. Louis Cardinals, and he will look to bounce back as he takes the mound in his home park.

Matt Wallner jump-started the offense, tripling off the wall in center field. He scored on a Correa ground ball. After Byron Buxton beat out an infield hit and stole second, he scored the second run of the game on a Trevor Larnach RBI knock.

The season is just getting started for the Houston Astros, though it would be fair to say things have not gotten off to an ideal start.

There’s always optimism as the Major League Baseball season opens, and then ... there’s the weather. It’s chilly at Target Field as the Twins face the Houston Astros. But the sun popped out just before first pitch,