Reds Edge Twins 4-2 in Rain-Shortened Game

Spencer Steer’s two-run homer propelled the Cincinnati Reds to a 4-2 victory against the Minnesota Twins, a game that was halted in the sixth inning due to rain. Nick Lodolo pitched effectively, allowing just two runs on three hits over five innings.

Severe weather delayed the start of the game by two hours and seven minutes. With two outs in the bottom of the sixth, rain returned, leading to a 53-minute delay before the game was officially called.

The Reds have now won four consecutive games and nine of their last twelve, positioning themselves just one game shy of the third NL wild-card spot. Their record stands at 39-35, marking a season-high four games above .500.

Byron Buxton ignited the scoring with his 11th career leadoff home run, giving the Twins an early 1-0 lead. This marked his second leadoff homer of the season, the first since May 4 against Boston.

Following Buxton's blast, Lodolo settled down, allowing only one run and two hits. However, Steer quickly turned the tide, hitting a two-out, two-run homer in the first inning off Bailey Ober, who ultimately surrendered four runs on nine hits in 5 2/3 innings.

The Reds extended their lead with RBI singles from Matt McLain in the second inning and Will Benson in the third, pushing the score to 4-1.

After a lengthy wait for the game to commence, Buxton made an immediate impact by launching Lodolo’s first pitch into the left-field seats for his 13th home run of the season.

Notably, the Reds have scored 57 runs in the first inning this season, ranking second in Major League Baseball behind the Dodgers, who lead with 58.

Looking ahead, Reds right-hander Nick Martinez (4-7, 3.92 ERA) is set to face Twins right-hander Chris Paddack (2-6, 4.30) in the series finale on Thursday.