Twins vs Reds predictions
If you’re following the Minnesota Twins, you know this team is looking to snap out of a four-game road skid and put one in the win column. With David Festa on the mound, I’m expecting him to eat some innings and keep the Twins in it—think a solid showing with about a handful of strikeouts, and if he can limit the walks, that’ll go a long way. Byron Buxton, even with his elbow still a bit banged up, is primed to make noise at the plate—his mix of power and speed could easily turn into a homer and a couple of runs driven in if the timing is right. Carlos Correa and Ryan Jeffers have been chipping in consistently, so I wouldn’t be surprised to see both tallying up a couple of hits and getting on base, helping to set the table for the middle of the order. If Buxton can get onboard early and Willi Castro capitalizes, the Twins could generate the kind of offense that sets the tone for a much-needed win.
But waiting for them at Great American Ball Park is a Cincinnati Reds squad that’s no slouch either. Andrew Abbott has found a groove lately, and I’ve got a hunch he’ll give the Twins lineup a tough time—expect a competitive duel with six or so strikeouts before the bullpen takes over. Elly De La Cruz is the engine for this lineup, and the way he’s been mashing lately, I could easily see him belting another home run and swiping a bag or two if he gets on. TJ Friedl comes in hot with one of the team’s better averages, so he might be a tough out at the top and is always a threat to manufacture a run. With versatile bats like Jake Fraley and Tyler Stephenson in the mix, the Reds have enough pop up and down the lineup to cash in during key opportunities.
Picking a winner in this one isn’t easy, especially when both teams are hovering right above .500 and every game seems crucial. But considering the Reds’ ability to create pressure on the bases and manufacture runs—especially at home—I think Cincinnati has the slight upper hand tonight. Their mix of speed, timely hitting, and the comfort of playing at the Great American Ball Park give them just the edge they need to keep the Twins’ road woes going, at least for one more game. What do you think? Will the Twins finally turn things around, or do the Reds add another tally to the win column? This one definitely feels like it’ll come down to a key late-inning moment.
