Wednesday night’s highly anticipated matchup between the Cincinnati Reds and the Minnesota Twins at Great American Ball Park turned into a marathon battle against the elements, as relentless rain delays disrupted the flow and ultimately led to the game being called after six innings. What was supposed to be a straightforward summer evening of baseball instead stretched over five hours, featuring multiple suspensions and plenty of uncertainty for players and fans alike.
The game was originally slated to start at 7:10 p.m. ET, but Mother Nature had other plans. Severe thunderstorms swept through Cincinnati, prompting a delay that stretched over two hours. The grounds crew had to cover the dirt infield with a tarp around 6:30 p.m. to protect the field from the heavy downpour. The National Weather Service issued a Severe Thunderstorm Warning for the area, which only heightened concerns about the game’s viability.
As the clock ticked past 7 p.m., officials held off on announcing a firm start time. Reds management urged fans via the scoreboard to seek shelter, warning of “heavy rain and lightning” and advising everyone to move to concourse areas. The storm was moving northeast but remained over the stadium, with standing water visible on parts of the grass and warning track. Finally, at 8:25 p.m., the tarp was removed, and a tentative start was set for 9:15 p.m., giving hope that the game might proceed.
When play finally got underway, the Reds quickly asserted themselves on their home turf. Cincinnati took an early lead, and by the bottom of the sixth inning, they were ahead 4-2. The Twins, despite being underdogs at +105 odds on DraftKings Sportsbook, fought hard, but the Reds, favored at -128, showed resilience. Nick Lodolo took the mound for Cincinnati, while Minnesota countered with Bailey Ober.
However, the weather was not finished wreaking havoc. At 10:55 p.m., just as the game reached the bottom of the sixth inning with two outs and a Reds runner on first base, a second rain delay was called. Fans braced for another long wait as the tarp was quickly deployed once again. This pause underscored the unpredictable nature of baseball played outdoors and the patience required from all involved.
After roughly five hours of rain-interrupted action, the decision was made to call the game. Cincinnati was credited with a 4-2 victory, having completed the requisite five innings for an official result. This outcome, while satisfying for the Reds and their supporters, left some wondering what might have been had the game continued uninterrupted.
The rain delays and eventual call highlight the challenges teams face when weather intervenes. Baseball, unlike many indoor sports, must contend with the whims of nature, which can dramatically alter momentum and strategy. The Twins, known for their grit, were unable to mount a comeback in the shortened contest, while the Reds capitalized on the opportunity to secure the win.
For Reds fans, the night was particularly special as it coincided with Elly De La Cruz bobblehead night, adding an extra layer of excitement despite the weather woes. The city of Cincinnati, renowned for its passionate baseball community, showed resilience, sticking it out through the storm and supporting their team until the very end.
From the Twins’ perspective, the game was a tough break. Entering as underdogs, they had hoped to challenge the Reds on their home field and improve their standing in the series. The rain delays disrupted their rhythm and likely impacted their performance, but the team’s effort was commendable given the circumstances.
Looking ahead, both teams will need to recalibrate after this weather-affected contest. The Reds can take confidence from their ability to maintain the lead through adverse conditions, while the Twins will be eager to bounce back in upcoming games. Meanwhile, the fans who endured the long wait can appreciate the perseverance and unpredictability that make baseball such a beloved sport.
In the end, Wednesday’s Reds-Twins game serves as a vivid reminder of how weather can shape the narrative of a baseball season. It’s a game where strategy, stamina, and sometimes sheer luck intersect with the elements, creating moments that are as much about endurance as athletic skill.
