In a thrilling matchup, the Minnesota Twins staged a dramatic comeback in the top of the ninth inning to defeat the Cincinnati Reds 5-3 in the decisive game of their three-game series. Jorge Polanco played the hero’s role, delivering a two-out, two-run single that sparked the Twins’ rally and secured the win.
Minnesota (81-72) showcased its resilience, with Willi Castro leading the charge by launching a home run and contributing two hits and two runs. Christian Vazquez also made an impact with two hits, including a crucial double.
The victory, coupled with Cleveland’s loss to Kansas City on Wednesday, reduced the Twins’ magic number for clinching the American League Central to just one.
Pitcher Jhoan Duran (3-6) earned the win, delivering a scoreless eighth inning, while Griffin Jax closed the game with his third save, overcoming a leadoff walk in the ninth.
Cincinnati (79-75) received a standout performance from starter Hunter Greene, who recorded a career-high 14 strikeouts. Greene allowed just one run on three hits over seven impressive innings. His 14 strikeouts marked the most by a Reds pitcher since Ron Villone struck out 16 against the St. Louis Cardinals on September 29, 2000.
The Reds took an early 1-0 lead in the third inning when Will Benson drew a leadoff walk, followed by a hit-by-pitch for Jonathan India and an RBI single by TJ Freidl.
Cincinnati extended their lead to 2-0 in the fourth inning when Christian Encarnacion-Strand led off with a solo home run into the left field bleachers.
Minnesota fought back in the seventh inning as Willi Castro smacked his ninth home run of the season, cutting the Reds’ lead to 2-1. However, Cincinnati responded with another run in the bottom of the inning, with Will Benson leading off with a triple and scoring on a single by Luke Maile.
Trailing 3-1 entering the ninth inning, the Twins orchestrated a stunning comeback against Cincinnati’s All-Star closer, Alexis Diaz (9-5). Castro initiated the rally with a bunt single, stole second base, and advanced to third on a throwing error. He then scored on a single by Kyle Farmer to level the score at 3-3. Following intentional walks and a double-steal by Farmer and Vazquez, Polanco delivered the decisive blow, singling to right field to drive in two runs.
The Twins’ impressive late-game rally left the Reds stunned and secured the victory for Minnesota in a thrilling contest.
