Reds Game Today: A Rain‑Shortened Triumph and What Lies Ahead

Baseball fans in Cincinnati woke up to big news on June 19, 2025: the Cincinnati Reds claimed a hard-fought win in a rain‑shortened affair, carrying momentum into today’s matchups. Let’s break down what happened yesterday and preview today’s action.

Yesterday’s Highlights – Beating the Twins 4‑2

• Rain Delay Drama: Torrential rain and gusting winds created a two‑hour tarp-covered hiatus before the game officially started.

• First-Pitch Homer: Twins’ Byron Buxton crushed a leadoff homer off Nick Lodolo—a startling start.

• Reds’ Response:

  • Spencer Steer launched a two‑run homer in the 1st inning, later adding a double and scoring twice.

  • Matt McLain and Will Benson each delivered RBI singles in the 2nd and 3rd innings.

• Starter Steady: Nick Lodolo (5–5) settled after the early setback, ending his outing with six innings, three hits, two earned runs, and four strikeouts.

• Game Called: After two outs in the 6th, heavy rain returned, and the game was declared official, awarding the Reds the 4–2 win.

Game Stats vs. Twins

This win marks the Reds’ 4th consecutive victory and their 9th in 11 games, pushing them to four games over .500.

What to Watch in Today’s Game

According to the MLB schedule, the Reds begin a three-game series at the St. Louis Cardinals today (June 20), traveling after their triumph over Minnesota . Here’s a look at what’s on tap:

• Opposition: St. Louis Cardinals, a classically tough Central Division rival.

• Probable Pitching Matchup:

  • Reds’ starter: Likely a lefty—possibly Nick Lodolo or Andrew Abbott, both enjoying strong seasons (Abbott on the IL but back recently; Lodolo got the win yesterday) .

  • Cardinals’ starter: TBD.

• Key Matchups:

  • Spencer Steer: A power threat, but capable of quiet nights.

  • Elly De La Cruz: Speed and power—an X-factor on both offense and defense .

  • Bullpen Advantage: Reds’ bullpen, including closer Alexis Díaz, needs to stay locked in amid potential late-game pressure .

Reds’ Recent Strengths

• Reds are 9‑2 in their last 11 games.

• Top hitters: Steer, McLain, Benson, and De La Cruz (not in yesterday’s game but impactful this season) .

• Starting rotations with Lodolo, Abbott, and Martinez are giving quality outings consistently.

• The bullpen, led by Díaz, with solid setup arms like Tony Santillan and Brent Suter .

What Fans Should Keep an Eye On

• Weather Conditions – Heavy rain affected yesterday’s game; check forecasts for potential rain delays.

• Lineup Adjustments – Manager may rest players after the weather-shortened game; expect possible tweaks.

• Starting Pitcher Confirmation – Reds likely use recently sharp Lodolo; watch for confirmation.

• Cardinals’ Matchups – Review St. Louis lineup trends to understand Reds’ key defensive assignments.

• Bullpen Usage – Monitor how long the Reds’ relievers last; fatigue could show in a three-game series.

A Look Ahead: Series Outlook

1. Game 1 (Today) – How Reds respond after yesterday’s weather-shortened win.

2. Game 2 (Saturday) – Home crowd will follow the series closely.

3. Game 3 (Sunday) – A pivotal matchup in NL Central standings.

Momentum is on Cincinnati’s side—if the hitting keeps up and the pitching stays strong, the Reds can gain serious ground.

Conclusion

The Reds head into today’s series opener riding a hot streak, fueled by Lodolo’s resurgence, Steer’s power, and a bullpen that’s tightening the screws. Battling the Cardinals in St. Louis won't be easy, but with fires lit across the roster, the Reds look ready. Today's weather forecast will be critical—just like yesterday’s rain‑shortened thriller. Expect strategic plays, bullpen management, and momentum swings in a tightly contested NL Central battle.