TJ Friedl's Double Lifts Reds Past Twins in 6-5 Win

Tuesday, June 17th, 2025

CINCINNATI — TJ Friedl hit a decisive two-out, two-run double in the sixth inning and the Cincinnati Reds rallied for their third straight win, a 6-5 victory over the Minnesota Twins on Tuesday night.

Cincinnati has won eight of its last 11 games to climb within two games of the third NL wild-card spot.

Byron Buxton's solo homer off Andrew Abbott put the Twins ahead 1-0 in the third inning.

David Festa held Cincinnati hitless until the fourth when Will Benson's two-run double gave the Reds a 2-1 lead.

Festa left the game in the fourth with a right hand contusion after allowing four runs, two earned. Jake Fraley drove in two more runs with a single to extend the Reds' lead to 4-1.

A throwing error by Reds third baseman Christian Encarnacion-Strand opened the door for a Twins rally in the sixth. Harrison Bader's three-run homer, which caromed over the wall off Fraley's glove, put Minnesota back in front, 5-4.

Abbott allowed five runs, but only one earned, dropping his ERA to 1.84. He struck out five and didn't walk a batter.

Friedl's double in the sixth off Brock Stewart (1-1) drove home the go-ahead runs for Cincinnati.

Emilio Pagán pitched a scoreless ninth inning to earn his 17th save. Scott Barlow (2-0) earned the victory for Cincinnati with 1 1/3 innings pitched, striking out two.

Key Moment

Buxton reached over the center field wall to rob Benson of a solo home run to end the second inning. He then came to bat with one out in the third and hit a solo homer just over Friedl's glove in nearly the same spot.

Key Stat

Abbott has allowed a run in the first inning just once in his past 24 starts. He allowed five runs in the first on Aug. 7, 2024 against the Marlins.

Up Next

Reds LHP Nick Lodolo (4-5, 3.76 ERA) faces Twins RHP Bailey Ober (4-3, 4.40) on Wednesday.

In summary

The Cincinnati Reds defeated the Minnesota Twins 6-5 on June 17, 2025, behind a go-ahead two-run double from TJ Friedl in the sixth inning. Key plays included Byron Buxton's home run and highlight catch, Will Benson's two-run double, Jake Fraley's two-run single, and Harrison Bader's three-run homer. Reds starter Andrew Abbott allowed five runs but only one earned. Scott Barlow earned the win, and Emilio Pagán recorded his 17th save. The win was Cincinnati's third straight, bringing them closer to an NL wild-card spot. The series continues Wednesday with Nick Lodolo pitching for the Reds and Bailey Ober for the Twins.

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