It was quite the day at the office for Christian Vazquez Sunday afternoon.

Vazquez plated the Twins’ first two runs of their series finale against the Houston Astros in a game that was tied 2-2 entering the ninth inning. Vazquez then hit a leadoff, 362-foot walk-off homer off Astros closer Josh Hader to send the Twins to a 3-2 victory at Target Field in Minneapolis.

Vazquez’s blast also kept their home run streak alive. They’ve now homered in 25 straight games.

Vazquez was 2 for 4 with the homer and three RBIs.

Josh Staumont pitched a 1-2-3 seventh inning and hit a season-high 101 mph in the process, Griffin Jax tossed a shutout eighth inning and Jhoan Duran threw a scoreless ninth to preserve a 2-2 tie.

Duran picked up the victory, improving to 4-3 on the season. Hader took the loss to fall to 3-5.

The Astros (46-44) plated the first two runs of the game in the second inning when Cesar Salazar hit a sacrifice fly and Jose Altuve hit an RBI single off Twins starter Simeon Woods Richardson the next at-bat. But those were the only two runs the Astros would get off Woods Richardson, who only gave up three hits in all while fanning four across his six innings of work in another strong start.

The Twins (51-39) got one of those runs back in the bottom of the inning on Vazquez’s RBI single, and Vazquez also plated the tying run in the fourth inning when he grounded into an RBI fielder’s choice that scored Brooks Lee, who led off the inning with an infield single. Lee was 2 for 4.

Matt Wallner was called back up to the Twins on Sunday and played his first game since April. It didn’t take long for him to get going as he drew a walk in his first plate appearance and singled in his second. Wallner also had a nice diving play on a ball in left field for the first out of the fifth inning.

Wallner was 1 for 1 with the single and walk. 

Twins shortstop Carlos Correa exited the game after being hit in the right hand by a 96-mph fastball from Astros starter Spencer Arrighetti. The good news, however, was that initial scans did not reveal a fracture, and the Twins have designated his injury a right finger contusion. 

The Twins will look to keep their momentum going as they travel to Chicago to face the division rival White Sox in a three-game series that begins Monday. First pitch is slated for 7:10 p.m.

Minnesota United announced today the club has signed MNUFC2 goalkeeper Francesco Montali to a Short-Term Agreement, making him available for selection during Sunday’s MLS match at LA Galaxy at 9:30 p.m. CT.

Montali joined MNUFC2 on July 2 on an MLS NEXT Pro contract through the end of 2024 and made his first start in net for the Twos on July 3 against North Texas SC. At the collegiate level for Boston University, the goalkeeper made 47 appearances (47 starts) in his three years from 2021-2023. As a Terrier, Montali earned 19 shutouts in those 47 matches.

Montali recently was on the roster for Vermont Green FC, a semi-professional USL League Two team that competes in the summer months. In his youth, the keeper developed with both Orlando City SC’s academy and the New York Red Bulls academy.

Transaction: Minnesota United signs MNUFC2 goalkeeper Francesco Montali to a Short-Term Agreement, making him available for selection during Sunday’s MLS match at LA Galaxy at 9:30 p.m. CT.

Francesco Montali
Position: Goalkeeper
Date of Birth: 9/6/2000 (23 years old)
Height: 6’3”
Weight: 185 lbs.
Hometown: Davie, Florida
Previous Club: Boston University

A picture has emerged of the completely wrecked Dodge Charger that was carrying Minnesota Vikings player Khyree Jackson and two others when they tragically died in a car crash.

Jackson, 24, was killed along with former high school teammates Anthony Lytton Jr., 24, and Isaiah Hazel, 23, in a three-car accident in Upper Marlboro, Maryland.

His mother, Ebbony Jackson, confirmed the news to TMZ on Saturday, saying she received a call about his death in the early hours of Saturday morning. 

Jackson and Hazel were both pronounced dead at the scene by emergency medical services, Maryland Police said. Meanwhile, Lytton was transported to hospital where he later died. 

Images show the completely disfigured and squashed Charger being taken away from the scene by a tow truck. The flattened vehicle appears to have had its back part completely torn off. 

Minnesota Vikings draftee Khyree Jackson died in a car accident at the young age of 24

The accident occurred at around 3am ET Saturday when a woman, identified as Cori Clingman, driving a silver Infinity attempted to change lanes on Route 4 at a high speed, police believe.

She struck the Dodge Charger, driven by Hazel and carrying Jackson and Lytton, which collided with another vehicle causing the Dodge to careen off the road, hitting multiple tree stops before eventually coming to a stop.

Clingman had two other passengers in her vehicle at the time of the crash, while the other driver was the only occupant of his Chevrolet. No one else was injured in the accident.

Maryland police have launched an investigation into the fatal crash, believing alcohol may have been involved.

Hazel played at Maryland and Charlotte, while Lytton played at Florida State and Penn State. 

Cornerback Jackson’s shock death comes just under three months since he was selected by the Vikings in the 2024 NFL Draft.

Minnesota took Jackson with the 108th overall pick in the fourth round, following his collegiate career for both the Oregon Ducks and Alabama Crimson Tide. 

He was in consideration to be a starter for the Vikings for the upcoming NFL season.

His former high school teammates Anthony Lytton Jr. (L) and Isaiah Hazel (R) also died

Jackson is pictured with quarterback and fellow draftee JJ McCarthy at rookie camp in May 

The Vikings, owners Mark and Zygi Wilf and head coach Kevin O’Connell all paid moving tributes to Jackson on Saturday – with the franchise admitting they are ‘devastated’.

The team’s statement read: ‘We are devastated by the news of Khyree Jackson’s death following an overnight car accident.

‘While we work to gather more information, we have spoken to Khyree’s family and offered the support of the Minnesota Vikings.

‘We have also communicated the news to Vikings players, coaches and staff and have offered counseling for those who need emotional support. 

‘Our thoughts are with Khyree’s family, friends, teammates and coaches, as well as all the victims of this tragic accident.’

Owners Mark and Zygi Wilf added: ‘We are deeply saddened by the news of Khyree’s passing. 

Vikings head coach Kevin O’Connell admitted he was ‘at a loss for words’ after the news broke

‘Khyree had an extremely bright future ahead of him as a player, and it was clear he was dedicated to being a tremendous person who made a positive difference in people’s lives. 

‘We are thinking about Khyree’s family and friends and all members of the Minnesota Vikings following this devastating loss.’

‘I am absolutely crushed by this news. Khyree brought a contagious energy to our facility and our team,’ added Vikings head coach Kevin O’Connell.

‘His confidence and engaging personality immediately drew his teammates to him. 

‘In our short time together, it was evident Khyree was going to develop into a tremendous professional football player, but what was more impressive was his desire to become the best person he could be for his family and those around him.

‘I am at a loss for words. My heart goes out to Khyree’s family, friends, teammates and coaches.’