Cincinnati Reds Edge Minnesota Twins 2-1 Behind Suárez’s Clutch Double
MINNEAPOLIS — The Cincinnati Reds secured a narrow 2-1 victory over the Minnesota Twins on Friday night, thanks to a timely two-run double from Eugenio Suárez and a strong pitching performance from Brandon Williamson.
The game remained scoreless until the fourth inning when Reds rookie Elly De La Cruz sparked the offense with a deep double to the warning track. A throwing error by Twins third baseman Ryan Kreidler allowed De La Cruz to advance to third, and after Sal Stewart stole second, Suárez delivered the decisive blow—a two-run double to center field.
Williamson (2-1) kept the Twins in check, allowing just one run on three hits over 5 1/3 innings. Despite walking four batters, the left-hander worked out of trouble, stranding multiple runners in scoring position. His biggest escape came in the fifth when the Twins loaded the bases with walks, but Williamson induced an inning-ending double play to limit the damage.
Minnesota’s lone run came in the fifth on a sacrifice fly by Austin Martin, scoring Brooks Lee. But the Twins squandered multiple opportunities, going 0-for-4 with runners in scoring position and leaving nine men on base.
Twins starter Joe Ryan (2-2) pitched well in defeat, striking out six over six innings while allowing just three hits and one earned run. Josh Bell collected two of Minnesota’s five hits—all singles—but the offense couldn’t capitalize against Cincinnati’s bullpen.
Reds reliever Emilio Pagán sealed the win with a flawless ninth inning, earning his sixth save of the season.
Up Next:
The series continues Saturday with Cincinnati’s Andrew Abbott (0-2, 5.85 ERA) facing Tampa Bay’s Taj Bradley (3-0, 1.25 ERA) in what promises to be a compelling pitching duel.
— Reported by Nexio News
