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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Hey there, time traveller!
This article was published 18/06/2025 (436 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

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