Steer hits a 2-run homer and Reds win rain-shortened game 4-2 over Twins.

By: Jeff Wallner, The Associated Press Posted: 10:57 PM CDT Wednesday, Jun. 18, 2025

CINCINNATI (AP) — Spencer Steer hit a two-run home run and Nick Lodolo allowed two runs on three hits in five innings to help the Cincinnati Reds beat the Minnesota Twins 4-2 in a game called in the sixth inning because of rain.

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The start was delayed two hours and seven minutes by severe weather. With two outs in the bottom of the sixth, rain returned and the game was called after a 53-minute delay.

The Reds have won four straight and nine of their last 12 games to climb within one game of the third NL wild-card spot. They are a season high four games above .500 at 39-35.

Dark storm clouds over Great American Ball Park during a weather delay before a baseball game between the Cincinnati Reds and the Minnesota Twins, Wednesday, June 18, 2025, in Cincinnati. (AP Photo/Carolyn Kaster)

Byron Buxton’s 11th career leadoff homer put the Twins ahead 1-0. It was his second leadoff homer this season, and first since May 4 at Boston.

Nick Lodolo (5-5) allowed a run and two hits following Buxton’s home run.

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

RBI singles by Matt McLain in the second and Will Benson in the third extended the Reds’ lead to 4-1.

Key moment

After waiting more than two hours for the game to start, Buxton launched Lodolo’s first pitch into the left-field seats for his 13th home run of the season.

Key stat