Reds Beat Twins 4-2 in Rain-Shortened Game

Wednesday, June 18th, 2025

Spencer Steer hit a two-run home run and Nick Lodolo allowed two runs on three hits in five innings as the Cincinnati Reds defeated the Minnesota Twins 4-2 in a game called in the sixth inning due to rain.

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

With this win, the Reds extended their winning streak to four games and have won nine of their last 12 contests. They are now within one game of securing the third National League wild-card spot and sit at a season-high four games above .500 with a 39-35 record.

Byron Buxton gave the Twins an early 1-0 lead with his 11th career leadoff home run, also his second of the season. Nick Lodolo (5-5) surrendered one run and two hits after Buxton's leadoff blast.

Steer's two-out, two-run homer in the first inning off Bailey Ober (4-4) put the Reds ahead 2-1. Ober allowed four runs on nine hits across 5 2/3 innings.

RBI singles by Matt McLain in the second inning and Will Benson in the third further extended the Reds' lead to 4-1 before the game was stopped.

Key moment

After a lengthy delay to start the game, Byron Buxton launched Nick Lodolo's very first pitch into the left-field seats for his 13th home run of the season, giving the Twins an immediate lead.

Key stat

The Cincinnati Reds have been potent in the first inning, scoring 57 runs, which ranks second in Major League Baseball. Only the Los Angeles Dodgers have scored more first-inning runs with 58.

Up next

The series finale on Thursday will feature Reds right-hander Nick Martinez (4-7, 3.92 ERA) facing Twins right-hander Chris Paddack (2-6, 4.30).

In summary

The Cincinnati Reds defeated the Minnesota Twins 4-2 in a rain-shortened game called in the sixth inning. Spencer Steer hit a two-run homer and Nick Lodolo earned the win. The victory extended the Reds' winning streak and improved their record to 39-35, moving them closer to an NL wild-card spot. Byron Buxton hit a leadoff home run for the Twins, but the Reds' offense, including RBI singles from Matt McLain and Will Benson, secured the lead before the game was halted by weather delays.

Related Links

• Minnesota Twins News & Updates
• Minnesota Twins Schedule & Scores
• Cincinnati Reds News & Updates
• Cincinnati Reds Schedule & Scores
• MLB News