The Minnesota Twins, who hold a record of 36-36, are set to face the Cincinnati Reds, now at 38-35, in the second game of their three-game series on Wednesday. The match will take place at Great American Ball Park with a first pitch scheduled for 7:10 p.m. ET. The Reds currently lead the season series 1-0.
The Twins are struggling, facing a five-game losing streak and have managed to win only two of their last eleven games. Their recent defeats have been closely contested, with their latest loss being a nail-biting 6-5 against the Reds in Tuesday’s opener. In that game, Minnesota briefly led thanks to a powerful fourth inning highlighted by Harrison Bader’s three-run home run, marking his seventh of the season. However, they succumbed to a two-run double in the bottom of the sixth, undermining their efforts.
On the flip side, the Reds are on a roll, winning three consecutive games and eight out of their last ten. Despite a lackluster performance with only five hits in the series opener, TJ Friedl came through with a pivotal go-ahead double. Starting pitcher Andrew Abbott allowed five runs, but only one was earned, as the Cincinnati bullpen demonstrated strength, delivering 3 1/3 hitless innings.
The matchup will feature Twins right-hander Bailey Ober, who has a record of 4-3 and a 4.40 ERA across 14 starts. Ober’s recent outings have raised concerns, as he’s currently on a downward trend with an alarming 9.26 ERA over his last two June starts. On the opposing mound, the Reds will send LHP Nick Lodolo, who has a 4-5 record with a 3.76 ERA, looking for his first win ever against the Twins.
Betting insights from BetMGM Sportsbook indicate that the Twins are underdogs at +105 on the moneyline, whereas the Reds are favored at -125. The odds reflect the Reds’ strong recent performance as well as the Twins’ ongoing struggles. Additionally, both teams have been involved in numerous high-scoring games recently, leading to a predicted total of nine runs for Wednesday’s matchup.
With the Reds’ offense peaking and the Twins’ current form, the series promises to be competitive. The Reds are poised for continued success, making them an attractive pick for both fans and bettors alike.