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Buxton sets off fireworks in walk-off win

Twins' No. 2 prospect smacks game-ending slam for Kernels
May 16, 2013

If Byron Buxton and the Kernels get any hotter, they'll turn into popcorn.

The Twins' No. 2 prospect hit a walk-off grand slam to lead Class A Cedar Rapids to a 7-6 win over Burlington on Thursday.

Buxton hit a 1-1 pitch with one out in the bottom of the ninth inning over the left-field wall to rally the first-place Kernels. The second overall pick in last June's draft also singled and stole his 16th base of the season.

The 19-year-old outfielder has hits in six of his last seven games. On Sunday, Buxton posted a 4-for-7 effort with four RBIs and four runs scored in the Kernels' 23-17 win over Beloit.

Buxton is third in the Midwest League with a .343 average and has six homers and 32 RBIs. The Georgia native leads the Minor Leagues with 42 runs scored, is tied for third with 16 stolen bases and stands second with a 1.039 OPS.

The Kernels are a league-best 27-12 and hold a four-game lead over Quad Cities for first in the Western Division. They are nearly unbeatable at home, winning 14 of 17 contests at Perfect Game Field.

Michael Quesada slugged a two-run homer and Travis Harrison scored twice for the Kernels.

Manuel Soliman (2-1) tossed a hitless inning of relief to earn the win.

Kyle Johnson was 2-for-3 with two RBIs and two runs scored in the loss for the Bees.

Robert Emrich is a contributor to MLB.com. Follow him on Twitter @RobertEmrich.