Astros vs. Twins Live Updates: Score, Highlights & Key Plays From Tonight’s MLB Thriller

May 18, 2026—The Minnesota Twins rode a vintage power display from Josh Bell to a 6-3 victory over the Houston Astros at Target Field, evening the four-game set and injecting fresh intrigue into this American League clash. Bell belted solo homers in the second and fourth innings before lining an RBI single in the sixth, giving the switch-hitting first baseman his first multi-homer effort since September 2025 and four RBI on the night. Rookie right-hander Kendry Rojas matched Bell’s fireworks with 5 ⅓ scoreless frames, scattering three hits while fanning six to outduel Houston starter Tatsuya Imai, who showed improved command but was tagged for three long balls. Minnesota broke the game open with Luke Keaschall’s two-run single later in the sixth, stretching the lead to 6-0. Houston clawed back in the seventh behind consecutive run-scoring swings from Christian Vázquez, Jeremy Peña and Christian Walker, yet veteran closer Taylor Rogers slammed the door with a three-out save. Key takeaways for fans and fantasy managers • Bell heating up: The slugger now owns four homers and 12 RBI in his last seven games, a timely surge for a Twins lineup that entered the night 22nd in MLB in slugging. • Rookie rotation boost: Rojas has trimmed his ERA to 3.48 after posting double-digit walk totals through his first four starts, a promising sign as Minnesota navigates injuries to Pablo López and Joe Ryan. • Peña’s return matters: The 2022 World Series MVP rejoined Houston’s order after a four-game absence and immediately sparked the late rally, a welcome sight for an Astros club stuck in last place in the AL West. What’s next The series continues Tuesday, May 19, with Houston sending left-hander Framber Valdez (2-3, 4.11 ERA) against Minnesota righty Simeon Woods Richardson (1-1, 3.67 ERA) in a 7:10 p.m. CT first pitch. Fans in Houston can stream the contest on Space City Home Network, while Minnesota viewers can tune to Bally Sports North; national streaming is available on MLB .TV with local blackout restrictions. Search interest spikes around “Astros vs Twins live stream,” “Josh Bell home runs,” and “Framber Valdez vs Twins,” so bookmarking this matchup—and Bell’s hot streak—could pay dividends for fantasy lineups and prop-bet tickets alike.