Twins Visit Reds Amid Losing Streak and De La Cruz’s Hot Streak

CINCINNATI, Ohio — The Minnesota Twins enter a three-game series against the Cincinnati Reds on a troubling four-game losing streak, looking to turn their fortunes around. The games will take place at Great American Ball Park starting Tuesday at 6:10 p.m.

The Twins (36-35) have struggled recently, having lost eight of their last eleven games. Their recent road trip began poorly, culminating in a 2-1 loss to the Houston Astros in extra innings Sunday. This will be the Twins’ first visit to Cincinnati since September 2023, where they had won two out of three games last season against the Reds. Currently, they sit at 7-8 against National League teams this season.

Injuries have plagued the Twins, with pitcher Pablo López and Zebby Matthews both sidelined. While the Twins look to find stability in their pitching rotation, 2B Brooks Lee is riding high with a 15-game hitting streak. Also, IF-OF Willi Castro has been solid, with a .368 average over his last 26 games.

The Reds (37-35) come into the series on a high note, enjoying a recent 4-2 road trip. They won two matches against Cleveland and Detroit, with their latest victory being an impressive comeback against the Tigers, rallying from a 4-2 deficit to win 8-4. This victory extends their winning streak to seven out of nine games.

Central to the Reds’ success is SS Elly De La Cruz, who has electrified the team with his performance. De La Cruz has hit a home run in four consecutive games, making him the fourth player in franchise history to achieve this feat at 23 years of age or younger, joining baseball legends Eric Davis, Johnny Bench, and Frank Robinson. Hitting .273 this season, he also boasts 16 home runs and 20 stolen bases, a first for a Reds player in his first three seasons.

On the mound, Andrew Abbott is set to start for the Reds on Tuesday, coming off a stellar performance in his previous outing, a complete-game shutout against Cleveland. The Reds will aim to continue their winning momentum against a struggling Twins team.

As the series unfolds, the Twins hope for a turnaround while the Reds strive to solidify their playoff contention aspirations.