TJ Friedl's clutch double leads the Reds past the Twins 6-5 on June 18, 2025. Andrew Abbott shines as Cincinnati wins its third straight with two-out magic.
StatPro MLB Beat Reporter
Just when you think you've seen it all, the Cincinnati Reds find another way to win a baseball game. In a gritty, never-say-die performance at Great American Ball Park, the Reds rallied past the Minnesota Twins 6-5, fueled entirely by clutch hitting with their backs against the wall. TJ Friedl played the hero, lacing a go-ahead two-run double in the sixth inning to cap a remarkable comeback and push the team to a season-best three games over .500.
All six of Cincinnati's runs came with two outs.
The Reds found themselves in an early hole, but the offense exploded in the fourth inning, all with two outs. Will Benson started the rally with a booming two-run double, followed immediately by a two-RBI single from Jake Fraley that tied the game. After the Twins retook the lead, the stage was set for the sixth inning. With two runners on and two away, TJ Friedl stepped to the plate and delivered the decisive blow—a screaming double that scored two and sent the Cincy crowd into a frenzy. It was a masterclass in situational hitting that defined the victory.
While the offense provided the late-game fireworks, Andrew Abbott turned in another gutsy performance. Despite allowing five runs, only one was earned, thanks to some shaky defense behind him. He battled for 5.2 innings, striking out five without issuing a walk, and impressively lowered his season ERA to a sparkling 1.84. From there, the bullpen was nails. Scott Barlow picked up his second win with 1.1 scoreless frames, and Emilio Pagán slammed the door for his 17th save of the season, cementing a hard-fought team win.
The good times look to continue as the Reds go for the series sweep on Wednesday. Lefty Nick Lodolo (4-5, 3.76 ERA) gets the ball against Minnesota's Bailey Ober. The lineup will look slightly different, as Christian Encarnacion-Strand is getting a day off. The present is bright, and the future looks just as promising. MLB Pipeline recently ranked the Reds' farm system 11th in all of baseball, highlighting a pipeline flush with talent like Cam Collier, Chase Burns, Rhett Lowder, and Sal Stewart, ensuring this wave of success is built to last.
Riding a wave of momentum and clutch hitting, the Reds are playing their best baseball of the season. With a chance to sweep the Twins with Nick Lodolo on the mound Wednesday, Cincinnati has a prime opportunity to keep climbing the standings and solidify its position as a team that simply finds ways to win. This homestand is proving to be a pivotal one.
