The game belonged to Minnesota for eight innings. Then the ninth arrived, and everything changed in a span of two at-bats that sent this contest to extra innings and ultimately into Cincinnati's hands with a 7-4 victory.
Bailey Ober dominated through 6.1 innings, striking out 10 batters while allowing just one unearned run. The right-hander scattered three hits and four walks, carrying a 4.15 ERA into his finest outing of the season. His 102-pitch performance gave Minnesota the foundation for what appeared to be a comfortable victory.
The Twins built their lead methodically. Buxton scored on Caratini's sacrifice fly in the first, then crossed the plate again in the third when Bell singled him home. Caratini followed immediately with an RBI single that brought Larnach home for a 3-0 advantage. That margin held until the ninth inning, when TJ Friedl doubled to center and brought three runners home in one swing. The game was tied moments later when Martin doubled Outman home.
Brady Singer matched Ober's effectiveness for six innings, allowing three runs on five hits with four walks and two strikeouts. His 5.32 ERA reflected earlier struggles, but this performance suggested better days ahead. Garrett Acton took the loss after allowing three unearned runs in the 10th, when De La Cruz scored on Martin's fielding error and Hinds doubled home two more runners.
Cincinnati improved to 13-8 and extended their winning streak to two games. Minnesota fell to 11-10, their third consecutive loss dropping them further behind in the division race.