Dane Myers' hit in 9th lifts Reds past Twins

Cincinnati rallies for 5-4 win over Minnesota in series opener

Apr. 19, 2026 at 3:10am

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A fractured, multi-perspective painting depicting a baseball game, with sharp geometric shapes and planes of color representing the players, field, and action. The vibrant uniforms of the Reds and Twins players are visible, but no identifiable faces or logos are present.The Reds' dramatic ninth-inning rally against the Twins is captured in a cubist-inspired illustration, highlighting the intensity and energy of the game-winning moment.Minneapolis Today

Pinch hitter Dane Myers' bloop single scored Spencer Steer in the top of the ninth inning as the Cincinnati Reds rallied for a 5-4 win over the Minnesota Twins on Saturday in Minneapolis. Kyle Nicolas struck out all three batters in the eighth inning to earn the win, and Tony Santillan pitched a 1-2-3 bottom of the ninth to earn his first save of the season.

Why it matters

The Reds' comeback victory over the Twins in the series opener keeps Cincinnati in the hunt for a playoff spot in the competitive National League Central division race.

The details

Minnesota manager Derek Shelton was ejected in the top of the seventh after Elly De La Cruz's RBI single scored Rece Hinds to trim the Twins' lead to 4-3. An inning later, the Reds tied the game at 4-4 when Hinds' sacrifice fly scored Eugenio Suarez. Cole Sands allowed Myers' game-winning hit in the ninth.

  • The game was played on Saturday, April 19, 2026.
  • Myers' game-winning hit came in the top of the ninth inning.

The players

Dane Myers

A pinch hitter for the Cincinnati Reds who delivered the game-winning hit in the ninth inning.

Spencer Steer

The Cincinnati Reds player who scored the winning run on Myers' hit in the ninth inning.

Kyle Nicolas

The Cincinnati Reds pitcher who struck out all three batters he faced in the eighth inning to earn the win.

Tony Santillan

The Cincinnati Reds pitcher who recorded a 1-2-3 ninth inning to earn the save.

Derek Shelton

The Minnesota Twins manager who was ejected in the seventh inning after disputing a call.

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What they’re saying

“We must keep battling and find ways to win close games like this. The team showed a lot of fight to come back and get this victory.”

— David Bell, Cincinnati Reds Manager

What’s next

The Reds and Twins will play the rubber match of their three-game series on Sunday afternoon.

The takeaway

The Reds' comeback win showcases their resilience and ability to win close games, which will be crucial as they continue to compete for a playoff spot in the NL Central.