Minnesota Twins at Cincinnati Reds

Steer hits a 2-run homer and Reds win rain-shortened game 4-2 over Twins.

The start was delayed two hours and seven minutes by severe weather. With two outs in the bottom of the sixth, rain returned and the game was called after a 53-minute delay.

The Reds have won four straight and nine of their last 12 games to climb within one game of the third NL wild-card spot. They are a season high four games above .500 at 39-35.

Byron Buxton's 11th career leadoff homer put the Twins ahead 1-0. It was his second leadoff homer this season, and first since May 4 at Boston.

Nick Lodolo (5-5) allowed a run and two hits following Buxton's home run.

Steer put the Reds ahead 2-1 in the first with a two-out, two-run homer off Bailey Ober (4-4) who allowed four runs on nine hits in 5 2/3 innings.

RBI singles by Matt McLain in the second and Will Benson in the third extended the Reds' lead to 4-1.

Key moment After waiting more than two hours for the game to start, Buxton launched Lodolo's first pitch into the left-field seats for his 13th home run of the season.

Key stat The Reds have scored 57 runs in the first inning, second most in the major leagues behind the Dodgers, who have scored 58.

Up next Reds RHP Nick Martinez (4-7, 3.92 ERA) will face Twins RHP Chris Paddack (2-6, 4.30) in the series finale on Thursday.

How can I watch Minnesota Twins vs. Cincinnati Reds?

• TV Channel: Twins at Reds 2022 MLB Baseball, is broadcasted on MLB.TV.
• Online streaming: Sign up for Fubo.