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I wrote about modern airguns before and whether PCP air rifles are worth the money. One topic was whether these rifles have adequate power to humanely harvest small game. This criteria rules out most air pistols, especially springers. For those who missed it, heres a rehash of each design.

Regarding springers, many of todays adult-type .177 or .22-caliber pellet guns are barrel-cocking designs. Upon discharge, a piston driven by a compressed spring generates a blast of pressurized air to expel a pellet. Inherent to the design, achieving sufficient power for humane small game hunting usually requires a large rifle. Like others, this stalwart springer is simple and reliable. But, it finally saw a time-out due to a temporary medical weight restriction. The 40-pound cocking effort became a problem.

Its discharge also creates a unique reverse-recoil impulse which can destroy a non airgun-rated optic. These dynamics can result in a hold-sensitive gun that requires consistent techniques for optimum accuracy. Greater power also requires substantial cocking effort – and the spring shouldnt remain compressed, which complicates hunting.

The latest gas-piston barrel-cockers solve the latter concern, but power still translates to size – and some advertised velocities are optimistic. On a positive note, a springer is a self-contained system.

Most of the drawbacks associated with springers disappear through pre-charged airguns. Their projectiles are expelled through release of high-pressure air from an onboard reservoir. Some big-bore .45 or .50-caliber types only provide a few shots before refilling becomes necessary.

But, a useful .22/800 fps small game hunting benchmark is easily attainable from a 6-7 pound gun capable of providing 25 shots or more. Today, many are even repeaters that feed from rotary magazines. Pricing of some PCP guns now rivals mid-grade springers. But a PCP gun does require extra gear, dependency on a fill-source, and the added expense of necessary equipment.

PCP advances aside, for those seeking a non-complicated, affordable, and self-contained airgun capable of pest control or small game hunting, a springer is still a good bet. Humane harvesting of gray squirrel-sized quarry requires a rifle with some heft and cocking effort, but many springers can achieve 800 fps (or more) using standard-weight .22-caliber pellets. With careful shooting (actually true of all airguns) thats enough punch to do the job inside 40 yards or so.

However, many serious shooters seek maximum performance and enjoy the associated technical aspects. To scratch those itches the PCP field offers an intriguing new frontier. And heres another twist; one I just encountered. While recovering from a recent surgery I was in need of some therapeutic backyard plinking.

Normally, Id just grab a hassle-free springer. Trouble was, a temporary 10-pound weight restriction rendered it useless due to the necessary cocking effort. Same story for a trusty pump-up pneumatic. No worries though. Two fully charged PCP rifles were on hand, along with an easily accessible scuba tank.

After a rejuvenate 45-shot session spent ringing small steel targets from the back deck out to 100 yards, the gun was easily recharged through a twist of the tanks knob. Operation of this intermediate-sized side-lever cocking .22-caliber PCP 10-shot repeater is nearly effortless. Its 2900 PSI reservoir provides around 40 recoil-free shots when adjusted to 800 fps. Downsides include cost and dependency on a separate air source. Pre-charged Air Rifles – The Basics

First up, pre-charged pneumatic guns operate at some serious pressures! Even the lower-pressure types hold 2000 PSI. More are charged to around 2900 PSI (often expressed as 200 BAR), but some now run at 3650/250 BAR – or even higher! Air reservoir capacities also vary, but their volume is typically expressed in cubic centimeters, which could range from 100 to 500 CCs.

Larger reservoirs and higher pressures translate to more shot per fill. Repressurizing such a gun is accomplished via a special PCP hand-pump, a scuba tank, or an airgun compressor (see below).

Usually, a short length of high pressure air (HPA) hose provides the necessary connection between the gun and its air source. The fittings can vary, depending upon the air source and the gun. This can create some confusion for new shoppers (more to follow).

As for the guns, many can be pressurized by connecting the hose to a common Foster air-tool nozzle. Using this system, a female QD fitting on the end of the hose simply snaps on to the guns male nozzle (via a spring-loaded collar). Others are filled through small port that accepts a male probe.

My Air Arms guns employ a proprietary brass collar with a corresponding fill-port. For this reason most pre-charged guns ship with the necessary fill adapter. Fortunately, nearly all utilize the common 1/8 BSPP thread pattern. How to Fill PCP Air Rifles

A PCP guns operating pressure and air capacity can have a bearing on the air source, something worth considering prior to finalizing a PCP purchase. Heres why Hand Pump

As noted in the previous post, the special PCP hand-pumps closely resemble a heavy-duty bicycle pump. The difference is their performance! They do provide total air independence, but lots of exercise will be a byproduct, making smaller-CC guns are better choices.

Accumulating water can be another concern although some incorporate moisture traps. Recently, complete PCP gun and pump packages have appeared, often priced to attract newer shooters. For more casual use in smaller guns theyll suffice, but higher-performance guns will probably need more. Especially when dealing with the latest 3500+ PSI guns, the final stages of pressurization require lots of effort.

The Hill Hand Pumps are longstanding favorites and some are now rated to deliver 4500 PSI/310 BAR! Given this level of performance, a Hills $270 price isnt that far above average costs of around $200. Most also come with a properly matched HPA hose set up for a female QD fitting and the batter ones can be rebuilt using replacement parts. Sale FOUR UNCLES High Pressure Hand Pump 4500 Psi PCP Hand Pump PCP Air Rifle (Black) ?Efficient Design?This pcp air pump with sleek stainless steel construction smooth upward and downward motion. 8mm copper female quick connector allows to withstand over 10,000 times of tear and wear, giving it an extended life.?HPA Pump with safety?The air rifle pump provide high pressure air up to 4500 psi or 40MPA. While the flexible micro-bore hose provides best performance, can bear up to 80MPA, safeguarding your safety with superior quality. $67.99 Buy on Amazon

Charging: Typically, a short length of HPA hose is connected to the pumps outlet at the bottom of the pump. The other end is attached to the gun. A pressure gauge on the pump then monitors the charging process, which is accomplished through deliberate strokes.

The idea is to use the entire upper body while flexing at the knees probably with a break or two thrown in. Recharging an empty gun could be brutal but, more often, partial depletion of shooting pressure results in less exertion. Either way, upon reaching the guns desired pressure level, a crucial step remains! Before disconnecting the hose, a small bleeder-valve must be cracked to vent potentially dangerous residual pressure.

The bleeder is usually a small brass knob located near the pumps outlet and pressure gauge. After the hose is vented it can be safely disconnected from the gun. If the hose remains attached to the pump, it can be covered with a plastic bag to ward off dust.

The pumps advantage is air independence in a reasonably-ized package (some folks also use one to augment a scuba tank when its pressure subsides). Its downside: Not everyone is up to the physical requirements. Even a smaller-sized PCP gun will probably require two or more pump-strokes per shot. Scuba Tank

My larger-volume .22-caliber Air Arms 400 FAC offers 45 useful shots at 920 fps when fully charged to 2900 PSI/200 BAR. That translates to lots of hand-pumping. Given the price of the gun and pump-related moisture concerns, for me, a tank became the logical alternative. A well-used 80 CF aluminum tank hooked up to refill this 2900 PSI/190 BAR Air Arms .22 single-shot. Each fill is good for 45 useful shots at 900+fps.

Scuba tanks come in various sizes (50-150 CF), and are built from three main materials; aluminum, steel, or carbon-fiber. The more common flat-bottom, 63 or 80 CF aluminum versions are practical corrosion-free choices, the latter weighing around 35 pounds when filled to 3000 PSI (an equivalent steel version is actually lighter due to its thinner walls).

I bought a standard aluminum 80 cubic-foot tank used at a local dive shop and eventually snagged two more, the last one for $150 (I also brought the airgun to allay liability concerns). Most metal tanks including mine employ a threaded-in K-Valve. Beyond a main on/off control knob, this part is designed to quickly connect with dive regulators. But, by attaching a different manifold (known as a yoke), an HPA hose can be connected to this part.

Carbon-fiber tanks are surprisingly light but also quite expensive. These (and fire-fighting SCBA versions) typically employ a different-type DIN-valve; a threaded heavy-duty stem. Nevertheless, most well-stocked airgun dealers inventory the necessary PCP gun adapters.

Because they have a finite DOT-regulated 15-year life, a new CF tank is the best bet. Recently, reconditioned CFs became DOT-approved, however they require 5-year inspections via a specialized Colorado-based source (which for most of us will involve shipping). Lightweight CF tank shown with a yoke and HPA hose assembly.

All-metal tanks need an annual internal visual inspection, and a more in-depth hydro-test every five years. A further concern for aluminum tanks involves its manufacture date. Those built in the U.S. after 1988 use stronger alloys to prevent neck cracking. For this reason, mine all came from a trusted dive shop with current tests.

Speaking of dive shops, assuming one is in your area, it may be well worth a visit prior to investing in a gun. Some might not be equipped to handle every fill option. Because my shops compressor cant reach the highest gun pressures (of 3500 PSI or more) any future gun shopping will be limited to 200 BAR types. But, thats adequate for me and works with my existing tanks, some of which are now quite old.

If one finally flunks its inspection, well, good enough. Meanwhile, refills cost just a few bucks and, when pressurized to around 3200 PSI with pure, moisture-free breathing air, numerous gun refills are available. Thats because I often dont shoot through the guns entire air supply. Assuming I consistently did so, Airguns Of Arizonas handy tank calculator indicates I should be good for around 13 refills from my 80 CF tank.

Since each top-off provides 45 useful shots, thats more than a tin of 500 pellets. At that point, within moments, I can transfer the yoke/hose assembly to a fully-charged spare tank. The empty can head to the dive shop when time permits. One kicker though: Right now Ill need help carrying it!

Consult the tank fill calculator before filling. K-valve and yoke assembly, ready to attach. The bleeder-knob is to the left of the pressure gauge. Note the inspection label on the tank. Yoke assembly attached. The gauge shows some pressure.

Charging: Using a common K-valve aluminum tank as an example, attachment of the necessary yoke is easily accomplished using its thumb-screw. The yokes housing also makes the perfect spot for a pressure gauge and bleeder valve. My hose is threaded into the yoke, but I couldve used a QD system identical to the fitting on its opposite end.

The male Foster-type stem of my proprietary Air Arms collar will snap into the hoses QD female fitting. The collar then slips over a nozzle on the gun where a 90 degree twist will securely lock it in place under a T-bar. Next, the knob on the scuba tank is slowly cracked to decant air. The yokes pressure gauge is carefully monitored and, since even slow filling generates heat, a short cooling pause is followed by a final top-off.

Actual fill-time is still nearly instantaneous, so the tank is opened with caution. Upon reaching (never exceeding) the operating pressure, the tanks air supply is turned off. The bleeder valve is then cracked (emitting a tell-tale hiss), and the hose is disconnected from the gun. I Leave the yoke/hose assembly connected to the tank and cover it with a plastic bag. The proprietary brass gun fitting has been attached to a QD female Foster hose fitting. It’s ready to lock onto the reservoir. Ready to refill with HPA air. The gun has been filled and the tank’s air supply has been shut off – but note the remaining pressure in the hose! Cracking the small brass bleeder knob will safely vent it prior to disconnection of the hose from the gun.

The charging accessories will add another $100 but, in my case, thanks to used tank pricing, the systems cost was comparable to a decent pump. Compressors

The standard shop-types wont work, but an airgun model will do the job for those willing to incur the expense. So far Ive resisted one, although some aficionados own a compressor because its possible to a fill scuba tank as well as a PCP gun. A few newer types are also fairly compact and easier to handle than a full-size dive tank. Umarex ReadyAIR HPA Portable Air Compressor Pump for PCP Air Rifles and Airguns The smartest portable airgun compressor in its class; Engineered and built with robust quality componentsElectronically controlled with a digital display; Programmable fill pressure allows you to fill your air rifles to their unique recommended pressure $669.99 Buy on Amazon

Prices have also decreased and some now start at around $650 but, of course, others cost much more. Some will run on AC or DC power so, ss long as you have a compatible power source, an infinite supply of filtered HP air will be available. Fill-time for an average airgun is several minutes but, of course, a tank can take longer.

Charging: The process is similar to scuba. Compressing large volumes of air can generate considerable heat which could damage the unit, so overload protection is usually incorporated. Necessary Connections

Do you need male adapters or female types, and what about fittings? The choices are a bit daunting. I wound up buying the properly matched yoke and hose from the local dive shop that sold me the scuba tank. We assembled the parts in the well-stocked store and made sure everything worked before I left.

This happened 13 years ago when PCP technologies were still obscure. Given the various tank designs, rated pressures and valve systems (K or DIN), its still not a bad approach for those contemplating the scuba route. Or, if you do your homework first, another option is a well-stocked dealer who specializes in airguns. This Air Arms system is a bit unusual. Fortunately, the necessary brass collar-fitting came with the gun. Tech Support

Today, several on-line airgun dealers make great starting points. Among them is Pyramid Air. Scrolling through their website, youll see pumps, various tanks, and compressors. Youll also see all kinds of HPA fittings and hoses, including some preassembled on pumps or scuba yokes. For what its wort, they also have an extensive airgun inventory so a phone call should point you in the right direction.

Some airgunners run multiple guns off one charging system. By using the correct QD hose fittings they quickly snap on different fill adapters. If assembling your own fill system, use Teflon tape on the threads to prevent leaks. Also, a very short hose can be inconvenient. Other Factors

Remember, the highest-pressure guns require air sources up to the task. A gun can work if charged below its maximum pressure, but its performance will be hamstrung. As mentioned above, a few hand-pumps and some compressors can get there. Todays lightweight carbon-fiber tanks can also take some serious pressure like 4500 PSI –  but youll still need a way to fully charge one.

Not all dive shops have that capability, but some fire stations may. A few airgunners even use high-pressure SCBA tanks after adding an adapter to the valve. However, beyond the gun, fittings and hoses must also be properly rated! Cautions and Concerns

High-pressure air is serious stuff. Forgetting to bleed a hose can be a memorable event. A dropped tank can turn one into a rocket; a hot trunk into a bomb! The gun wrong lubes can produce similar effects due to pressure-related heat ignition. Alternate gasses are also dangerous (some serious airgunners use nitrogen but Im staying with air). Over-pressurizing a gun is bad and can even be counterproductive.

For me and many others, velocity becomes much more consistent at a bit below maximum safe pressure. Todays increasingly popular regulated guns offer a consistent velocity spread throughout their useful charge, but even simpler non-regulated versions like mine can deliver sustained accuracy once optimum pressure parameters have been established.

A guns built-in pressure gauge (manometer) is the normal refill indicator. However, people in the know advise regulating the process using a fill sources separate gauge. There can be disparities like the fill lag Ive seen in one of Air Arms rifles. The gun’s BAR-rated gauge says it’s time for more air. The safe upper limit is 200 BAR (2900 PSI). Use the air supply’s gauge for a more accurate reading.

Dust and debris are enemies that can cause slow leaks so its best to leave pressure in the gun. I store mine fully charged (or near that level) BUT the gun remains un-cocked! Inherent to the design, determining a PCPs load status is difficult. The safest bet is to point it a safe backstop (absent a magazine for repeaters), cock it, and shoot. Unlike a springer, an occasional dry-fire (still dangerous at close range due to the HPA blast) wont damage the gun. Also, be sure to observe muzzle discipline while performing refills!

As for bore cleaning, most folks including me use a flexible pull-through system. I just use a patch lightly moistened with Break-free CLP after every tin of 500 pellets or so. The gun is inverted to prevent introduction of foreign materials into the barrels air-transfer port. The same lube will also handle exterior metal surfaces. The O-rings that mate with my fill adapter receive a sparing film of divers silicone.

Lastly, at some point, a PCP gun may develop a leak. A weak point is the internal O-rings which, despite scrupulous maintenance, could eventually dry out. Ive had that happen, but full function was restored thanks to the properly equipped dealer who sold me the gun. Much of the expense related to shipping, which can be the biggest hassle. Conclusion

At this point, a springer could sound a whole lot more attractive! That said though, the quiet and recoil-free performance of a PCP gun, coupled with typically uncanny accuracy, can make for some fascinating shooting. Quarter-size (or smaller) 50-yard groups are the norm. Ive experienced blips of inconsistent accuracy from powder-burning guns, but my air-powered pre-charged wonders always seem to be spot-on. Why? No barrel-heating or fouling perhaps.

The absence of firearms-related stigmas and hassles is also refreshing. The Feds dont regulate airgun purchases so we can even have em shipped to our doors.

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BST Hyde Park’s final day cancelled as Jeff Lynne’s ELO pulls out of headline slot

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BST Hyde Park's final day cancelled as Jeff Lynne's ELO pulls out of headline slot

BST Hyde Park festival has cancelled its final night after Jeff Lynne’s Electric Light Orchestra pulled out of the headline slot.

Lynne, 77, was due to play alongside his band on Sunday but has been forced to withdraw from the event following a “systemic infection”.

The London show was supposed to be a “final goodbye” from ELO following their farewell US tour.

Organisers said on Saturday that Lynne was “heartbroken” at being unable to perform.

A statement read: “Jeff has been battling a systemic infection and is currently in the care of a team of doctors who have advised him that performing is simply not possible at this time nor will he be able to reschedule.

“The legacy of the band and his longtime fans are foremost in Jeff’s mind today – and while he is so sorry that he cannot perform, he knows that he must focus on his health and rehabilitation at this time.”

They later confirmed the whole of Sunday’s event would be cancelled.

“Ticket holders will be refunded and contacted directly by their ticket agent with further details,” another statement said.

Stevie Wonder played the festival on Saturday – now its final event of 2025.

Read more from Sky News:
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Tennis star in tears after Wimbledon final drubbing

US rock band The Doobie Brothers and blues rock singer Steve Winwood were among those who had been due to perform to before ELO’s headline performance.

The cancellation comes after the band, best known for their hit Mr Blue Sky, pulled out of a performance due to take place at Manchester’s Co-Op Live Arena on Thursday.

ELO was formed in Birmingham in 1970 by Lynne, multi-instrumentalist Roy Wood and drummer Bev Bevan.

They first split in 1986, before frontman Lynne resurrected the band in 2014.

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2025 MLB Home Run Derby: The field is set! Who is the slugger to beat?

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2025 MLB Home Run Derby: The field is set! Who is the slugger to beat?

The 2025 MLB All-Star Home Run Derby is fast approaching — and the field is set.

Braves hometown hero Ronald Acuna Jr. became the first player to commit to the event, which will be held at Truist Park in Atlanta on July 14 (8 p.m. ET on ESPN). He was followed by MLB home run leader Cal Raleigh of the Seattle Mariners, James Wood of the Washington Nationals, Byron Buxton of the Minnesota Twins, Oneil Cruz of the Pittsburgh Pirates, Junior Caminero of the Tampa Bay Rays, Brent Rooker of the Athletics and Jazz Chisholm Jr. of the New York Yankees.

On Friday, however, Acuna was replaced by teammate Matt Olson.

With all the entrants announced, let’s break down their chances at taking home this year’s Derby prize.

Full All-Star Game coverage: How to watch, schedule, rosters, more


2025 home runs: 17 | Longest: 434 feet

Why he could win: Olson is a late replacement for Acuna as the home team’s representative at this year’s Derby. Apart from being the Braves’ first baseman, however, Olson also was born in Atlanta and grew up a Braves fan, giving him some extra motivation. The left-handed slugger led the majors in home runs in 2023 — his 54 round-trippers that season also set a franchise record — and he remains among the best in the game when it comes to exit velo and hard-hit rate.

Why he might not: The home-field advantage can also be a detriment if a player gets too hyped up in the first round. See Julio Rodriguez in Seattle in 2023, when he had a monster first round, with 41 home runs, but then tired out in the second round.


2025 home runs: 36 | Longest: 440 feet

Why he could win: It’s the season of Cal! The Mariners’ catcher is having one of the greatest slugging first halves in MLB history, as he’s been crushing mistakes all season . His easy raw power might be tailor-made for the Derby — he ranks in the 87th percentile in average exit velocity and delivers the ball, on average, at the optimal home run launch angle of 23 degrees. His calm demeanor might also be perfect for the contest as he won’t get too amped up.

Why he might not: He’s a catcher — and one who has carried a heavy workload, playing in all but one game this season. This contest is as much about stamina as anything, and whether Raleigh can carry his power through three rounds would be a concern. No catcher has ever won the Derby, with only Ivan Rodriguez back in 2005 even reaching the finals.


2025 home runs: 24 | Longest: 451 feet

Why he could win: He’s big, he’s strong, he’s young, he’s awesome, he might or might not be able to leap tall buildings in a single bound. This is the perfect opportunity for Wood to show his talent on the national stage, and he wouldn’t be the first young player to star in the Derby. He ranks in the 97th percentile in average exit velocity and 99th percentile in hard-hit rate, so he can still muscle the ball out in BP even if he slightly mishits it. His long arms might be viewed as a detriment, but remember the similarly tall Aaron Judge won in 2017.

Why he might not: His natural swing isn’t a pure uppercut — he has a pretty low average launch angle of just 6.2 degrees — so we’ll see how that plays in a rapid-fire session. In real games, his power is primarily to the opposite field, but in a Home Run Derby you can get more cheapies pulling the ball down the line.


2025 home runs: 20 | Longest: 479 feet

Why he could win: Buxton’s raw power remains as impressive as nearly any hitter in the game. He crushed a 479-foot home run earlier this season and has four others of at least 425 feet. Indeed, his “no doubter” percentage — home runs that would be out of all 30 parks based on distance — is 75%, the highest in the majors among players with more than a dozen home runs. His bat speed ranks in the 89th percentile. In other words, two tools that could translate to a BP lightning show.

Why he might not: Buxton is 31 and the Home Run Derby feels a little more like a younger man’s competition. Teoscar Hernandez did win last year at age 31, but before that, the last winner older than 29 was David Ortiz in 2010, and that was under much different rules than are used now.


2025 home runs: 16 | Longest: 463 feet

Why he could win: If you drew up a short list of players everyone wants to see in the Home Run Derby, Cruz would be near the top. He has the hardest-hit ball of the 2025 season, and the hardest ever tracked by Statcast, a 432-foot missile of a home run with an exit velocity of 122.9 mph. He also crushed a 463-foot home run in Anaheim that soared way beyond the trees in center field. With his elite bat speed — 100th percentile — Cruz has the ability to awe the crowd with a potentially all-time performance.

Why he might not: Like all first-time contestants, can he stay within himself and not get too caught up in the moment? He has a long swing, which will result in some huge blasts, but might not be the most efficient for a contest like this one, where the more swings a hitter can get in before the clock expires, the better.


2025 home runs: 23 | Longest: 425 feet

Why he could win: Although Caminero was one of the most hyped prospects entering 2024, everyone kind of forgot about him heading into this season since he didn’t immediately rip apart the majors as a rookie. In his first full season, however, he has showed off his big-time raw power — giving him a chance to become just the third player to reach 40 home runs in his age-21 season. He has perhaps the quickest bat in the majors, ranking in the 100th percentile in bat speed, and his top exit velocity ranks in the top 15. That could translate to a barrage of home runs.

Why he might not: In game action, Caminero does hit the ball on the ground quite often — in fact, he’s on pace to break Jim Rice’s record for double plays grounded into in a season. If he gets out of rhythm, that could lead to a lot of low line drives during the Derby instead of fly balls that clear the fences.


2025 home runs: 19 | Longest: 440 feet

Why he could win: The Athletics slugger has been one of the top power hitters in the majors for three seasons now and is on his way to a third straight 30-homer season. Rooker has plus bat speed and raw power, but his biggest strength is an optimal average launch angle (19 degrees in 2024, 15 degrees this season) that translates to home runs in game action. That natural swing could be picture perfect for the Home Run Derby. He also wasn’t shy about saying he wanted to participate — and maybe that bodes well for his chances.

Why he might not: Rooker might not have quite the same raw power as some of the other competitors, as he has just one home run longer than 425 feet in 2025. But that’s a little nitpicky, as 11 of his home runs have still gone 400-plus feet. He competed in the college home run derby in Omaha while at Mississippi State in 2016 and finished fourth.


2025 home runs: 17 | Longest: 442 feet

Why he could win: Chisholm might not be the most obvious name to participate, given his career high of 24 home runs, but he has belted 17 already in 2025 in his first 61 games after missing some time with an injury. He ranks among the MLB leaders in a couple of home run-related categories, ranking in the 96th percentile in expected slugging percentage and 98th percentile in barrel rate. His raw power might not match that of the other participants, but he’s a dead-pull hitter who has increased his launch angle this season, which might translate well to the Derby, even if he won’t be the guy hitting the longest home runs.

Why he might not: Most of the guys who have won this have been big, powerful sluggers. Chisholm is listed at 5-foot-11, 184 pounds, and you have to go back to Miguel Tejada in 2004 to find the last player under 6 foot to win.

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On Buxton bobblehead day, All-Star hits for cycle

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On Buxton bobblehead day, All-Star hits for cycle

MINNEAPOLIS — Minnesota Twins All-Star center fielder Byron Buxton admitted to feeling a little added pressure before Saturday’s game against the Pittsburgh Pirates. It was his bobblehead day, meaning the first 10,000 fans to walk through the gates at Target Field would receive a replica of Buxton doing his “Buck Truck” home run celebration.

“I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t nervous before the game started, just knowing it was bobblehead day,” Buxton said. “Obviously you want to come out and do something good.”

Buxton did more than something good. He became the first player to hit for the cycle at Target Field since the ballpark opened in 2010, helping ignite the Twins to a 12-4 win over the Pirates.

It was the 12th cycle in Twins history and the first since Jorge Polanco had one in 2019.

Buxton had three hits through three innings — a single in the first, a triple in the six-run second and a double in the third. After singling again in the fifth, he had one more opportunity in the bottom of the seventh.

Buxton, who will participate in next week’s Home Run Derby in Atlanta, crushed a 427-foot solo homer off Pirates reliever Andrew Heaney with two outs in the seventh to make it an 11-3 game and complete the cycle. That brought the Target Field crowd to its feet, with many fans celebrating with Buxton bobbleheads.

With his team holding a comfortable lead, Twins manager Rocco Baldelli almost took Buxton out of the game before his final at-bat, he admitted afterward. Thankfully for Baldelli — and Buxton — a few coaches reminded the skipper what was at stake.

“He was 4 for 4 at the time. But with everything going on during a game, sometimes I’ll be the one that might miss on a hitting streak or something that’s going on with a particular player,” Baldelli said. “But once they reminded me of that, he was going to stay in the game. He was going to get another at-bat, regardless of the score, and give him a chance to do something great.”

The homer was Buxton’s 21st of the season, tied for fifth most in the American League. With two runs driven in Saturday, Buxton now has 55 RBIs on the season — just one shy of his single-season high. He boasts an OPS of .921 and is 17 for 17 in stolen bases.

“It’s one of the greatest first halves I’ve ever witnessed,” Baldelli said.

Buxton was replaced in center field after the seventh inning, but not before getting a standing ovation curtain call from Twins fans. He also received a Gatorade bath courtesy of teammate Ty France, who was headed to the clubhouse before realizing that nobody had doused Buxton yet after the game.

“It’s special,” Buxton said. “To be able to come out on bobblehead day like this and have a day like this is something I won’t forget.”

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