Friedl’s Clutch Double Lifts Reds Over Twins for Third Straight Win

CINCINNATI, OH — TJ Friedl delivered a key two-out, two-run double in the sixth inning to push the Cincinnati Reds past the Minnesota Twins, 6-5, on Tuesday night at Great American Ball Park.

With the win, Cincinnati notched its third straight victory and has now taken eight of its last 11 games, pulling within two games of the final National League wild-card spot.

The game started with Minnesota’s Byron Buxton giving the Twins a 1-0 lead with a solo home run off Reds starter Andrew Abbott in the third inning. Buxton also made a highlight-reel play earlier, reaching over the center field wall to rob Will Benson of a homer to end the second.

Reds bats came alive in the fourth. Will Benson broke up a no-hit bid by Twins rookie David Festa with a two-run double that gave Cincinnati a 2-1 lead. Festa exited that same inning due to a right hand contusion after allowing four runs — only two of which were earned.

Jake Fraley followed with a two-run single, stretching the Reds’ lead to 4-1.

But the Twins responded in the sixth after a throwing error by Reds third baseman Christian Encarnacion-Strand set the stage for Harrison Bader’s three-run homer. The ball deflected off Fraley’s glove and bounced over the wall, putting Minnesota ahead 5-4.

Abbott finished with five runs allowed — only one earned — while striking out five without issuing a walk. His ERA dropped to 1.84.

Friedl’s go-ahead double came off reliever Brock Stewart (1-1) later that inning, giving Cincinnati a 6-5 lead they would not relinquish.

Scott Barlow (2-0) earned the win with 1 1/3 innings of scoreless relief, striking out two. Emilio Pagán shut the door in the ninth to pick up his 17th save.

Up next: The Reds send lefty Nick Lodolo (4-5, 3.76 ERA) to the mound on Wednesday, while the Twins counter with right-hander Bailey Ober (4-3, 4.40 ERA).