The Philadelphia Phillies and Minnesota Twins are leaving the memorable setting of Iowa behind and returning to the more pressing business of the regular season, with both clubs continuing their respective playoff pursuits when their three-game series resumes Saturday night in Minneapolis.
The teams spent Thursday playing under the lights at the Field of Dreams site in Dyersville, Iowa, in the third MLB game held at the location made famous by the Kevin Costner film. While the setting provided a nostalgic backdrop, the Phillies treated the game as an opportunity to regain momentum, rolling to a convincing 7-1 victory over Minnesota.
Philadelphia’s offense was powered by Kyle Schwarber, who continued his recent surge by launching two home runs. It marked his second multi-homer performance in just five games and gave the Phillies a much-needed offensive lift after they had dropped two consecutive games.
Brandon Marsh also played a major role in the victory, crushing a two-run homer as Philadelphia’s offense finally found its rhythm. The combination of Schwarber’s power and Marsh’s timely hitting helped the Phillies snap their skid and immediately return to the National League playoff picture.
“Hopefully, this is a little spark for us to turn it on for this push,” Marsh said after the victory.
The win came at an especially important moment for Philadelphia. Earlier Thursday, the Phillies found themselves outside the postseason picture for the first time since June 4. By beating Minnesota and leapfrogging the Arizona Diamondbacks, Philadelphia moved back into playoff position and avoided allowing its recent struggles to become more damaging.
Friday served as a travel day for both teams, giving players an opportunity to leave Iowa and prepare for the remainder of the series in Minneapolis. With the regular season entering an increasingly important stretch, Philadelphia knows every game carries added significance.
Schwarber emphasized that the Phillies understand the urgency surrounding the team’s position.
“We know what’s at stake,” Schwarber said. “We know that, for where we need to go, we need to step up in a lot of different ways in a lot of different areas.”
Minnesota enters the second game of the series facing a similar playoff situation. The Twins were just one game outside an American League wild-card position entering Friday, meaning a strong finish to the series could significantly improve their postseason chances.
The Twins also received encouraging news Thursday with the return of Byron Buxton. The three-time All-Star center fielder had missed 14 games because of a right hip impingement but was back in the lineup against Philadelphia. Buxton went 1-for-4 and doubled in his first game back, giving Minnesota an important boost even though the club ultimately suffered a six-run defeat.
Manager Derek Shelton was encouraged by Buxton’s return but acknowledged that the organization will need to carefully manage the veteran outfielder’s workload.
“He looks good. He’s in a good spot. We’re excited to have him back,” Shelton said.
Buxton, 32, has dealt with soreness in the same area earlier this season, an issue that also prevented him from participating in the All-Star Game. Because of his history of injuries and the importance of keeping him available for the stretch run, Minnesota is expected to monitor him closely.
“We don’t want another setback,” Shelton said, explaining that Buxton will always require some level of workload management because of the intensity with which he plays.
The Twins will turn to rookie left-hander Connor Prielipp to start Saturday’s game. Prielipp enters with a 3-5 record and a 4.79 ERA and has provided Minnesota with dependable innings throughout the season.
The young lefty has completed at least five innings in each of his last seven starts. His most recent outing came against the Milwaukee Brewers, when he allowed three runs on five hits over five innings in a 4-3, 10-inning loss. Saturday will mark his first career appearance against Philadelphia.
The Phillies will counter with left-hander Jesús Luzardo, who has emerged as one of the more reliable pieces of Philadelphia’s rotation and earned his first All-Star selection this season.
Luzardo enters Saturday with a 10-5 record and a 3.32 ERA. Although he did not receive a decision in his most recent start, he delivered another impressive performance, holding the Toronto Blue Jays to two runs and four hits while striking out 12 over seven innings during Philadelphia’s dramatic 7-6, 12-inning victory.
His previous start was even more dominant. On Aug. 4 against the Washington Nationals, Luzardo worked eight scoreless innings in a 5-0 Phillies victory.
One of the most encouraging trends for Philadelphia has been Luzardo’s steady improvement throughout the season. His ERA has decreased in each month, providing the Phillies with a strong rotation presence as they navigate the final weeks of the playoff race.
Luzardo has also enjoyed considerable success against Minnesota throughout his career. In two previous starts against the Twins, he is 1-0 with a remarkable 0.73 ERA. However, Saturday will be his first matchup against Minnesota since the 2023 season.
“I’m at my best when I’m working fast,” Luzardo said, noting that the pitch clock has helped him maintain that rhythm. “I like to think through things, but at the same time, I like to work fast.”
With Philadelphia trying to build on its Iowa victory and Minnesota attempting to respond while keeping pace in the American League wild-card race, Saturday’s matchup should carry considerably more weight than the picturesque setting of Thursday’s game might suggest.
The Field of Dreams provided the scenery, the memories and the spectacle. Now the Phillies and Twins return to Minneapolis with something much more important on the line: their postseason hopes.
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