The Cincinnati Reds are set to face the Minnesota Twins in the second game of their series at Great American Ball Park on June 18, 2025. After a win on Tuesday night, the Reds aim to secure a series victory. The game is scheduled to start at 7:10pm ET. This matchup features a pitching duel between Cincinnati’s Nick Lodolo and Minnesota’s Bailey Ober. Both teams are looking to improve their standings, making this a crucial game.
This article will provide an in-depth look at the starting lineups, pitching matchups, key player statistics, and the current division standings. We’ll also delve into the recent performances of both starting pitchers, analyzing their strengths, weaknesses, and pitch usage. Stay tuned for a comprehensive preview to get you ready for tonight’s game.
Starting Lineups
Here are the projected starting lineups for both the Minnesota Twins and the Cincinnati Reds:
| Minnesota Twins | Cincinnati Reds |
|---|---|
| – CF | – CF |
| – 1B | – DH |
| – SS | – SS |
| – DH | – 1B |
| – 2B | – LF |
| – LF | – C |
| – 3B | – 3B |
| – RF | – RF |
| – C | – 2B |
| – RHP | – LHP |
These lineups provide a glimpse into the strategies both managers are employing for this game. Key players will need to perform well to give their teams the edge.
Starting Pitchers
Tonight’s game features a compelling pitching matchup between Nick Lodolo for the Reds and Bailey Ober for the Twins. Here’s a closer look at their recent stats:
| Pitcher | IP | ERA | WHIP | BB | K |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nick Lodolo | 79.0 | 3.76 | 1.13 | 16 | 70 |
| Bailey Ober | 73.2 | 4.40 | 1.39 | 21 | 57 |
Lodolo has had a solid season but stumbled in his last outing, while Ober has been inconsistent, alternating between strong and weak starts. The performance of these pitchers will be critical to their team’s success tonight.
Nick Lodolo: Strengths and Weaknesses
Nick Lodolo has generally performed well in 2025, though he experienced a setback in his previous game against Cleveland, where he allowed six runs in just 3.1 innings. This raised his ERA to 3.76. Despite this, Lodolo’s season has been marked by strong command and a diverse pitching arsenal.
Lodolo’s splits reveal interesting trends. Right-handed hitters have struggled against him, batting .223 with moderate power, while left-handed hitters have found more success, hitting .346 and getting on base frequently. His pitch usage includes a mix of 4-seam fastballs (22%), 2-seam fastballs (27%), sliders (28%), and changeups (23%).
| Split | PA | H | 2B | 3B | HR | BB | K | AVG | OBP | SLG |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| RHH | 267 | 55 | 13 | 0 | 9 | 12 | 59 | .223 | .275 | .385 |
| LHH | 61 | 18 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 4 | 11 | .346 | .410 | .462 |
Bailey Ober: Performance and Trends
Bailey Ober’s 2025 season has been a tale of two extremes. In starts #2-12, he maintained an impressive 2.43 ERA. However, his first and two most recent starts saw him give up 20 earned runs in 14.1 innings, resulting in a 12.56 ERA. His last outing against Texas was particularly rough, as he allowed seven runs, walked six, and surrendered four home runs.
Ober’s splits indicate that right-handed hitters have had more success against him this season, with a higher average and more power. Left-handed hitters make more contact but don’t hit for as much power. His pitch mix includes a 4-seam fastball (37%), 2-seam fastball (3%), curveball (4%), slider (26%), and changeup (30%).
| Split | PA | H | 2B | 3B | HR | BB | K | AVG | OBP | SLG |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| RHH | 167 | 41 | 16 | 0 | 6 | 13 | 34 | .273 | .335 | .500 |
| LHH | 156 | 40 | 5 | 0 | 7 | 8 | 23 | .272 | .314 | .449 |
Game Details
- Game time: 7:10pm ET
- Where: Great American Ball Park
- Watch: FanDuel Sports Network Ohio, MLB.tv
- Listen: 700 WLW AM (Cincinnati area)
- Forecast: 81°, cloudy, 90% chance of rain
News and Notes
- Jeimer Candelario doubles, homers on rehab: Candelario had a strong performance in Louisville, hitting a home run and a 2-run double.
- Chase Burns with another strong start: The Reds’ top prospect allowed one run in 7.0 innings, striking out seven. His ERA is now 1.77 through 66.0 innings.
Division Standings
Here’s a look at the current NL Central standings:
| Team | W | L | GB | Playoff Odds |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chicago | 45 | 28 | 0.0 | 90.6% |
| Milwaukee | 39 | 35 | 6.5 | 30.2% |
| Cincinnati | 38 | 35 | 7.0 | 11.9% |
| St. Louis | 38 | 35 | 7.0 | 27.8% |
| Pittsburgh | 29 | 45 | 16.5 | 0.2% |
Playoff Odds via Fangraphs
Conclusion
Tonight’s game between the Minnesota Twins and Cincinnati Reds promises to be an exciting contest. With Nick Lodolo and Bailey Ober on the mound, pitching will be a key factor. The Reds, coming off a win, will look to capitalize and secure the series victory, while the Twins aim to bounce back and even the score.
Keep an eye on the weather forecast, as the high chance of rain could impact the game. Jeimer Candelario’s rehab performance and Chase Burns’ continued success in the minors provide additional storylines to follow. As the NL Central standings remain tight, every game is crucial, and tonight’s matchup is no exception.
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