Twins' Cole Sands Suffers Loss Against Reds

Reliever unable to protect late lead in 5-4 defeat

Apr. 18, 2026 at 10:40pm

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A fragmented, geometric painting depicting a baseball pitcher's throwing motion, with sharp planes of color representing the Twins and Reds uniforms, conveying the tension and drama of a late-inning collapse.A cubist interpretation of a Twins pitcher's failed attempt to close out a game against the Reds, exposing the team's bullpen struggles.Cincinnati Today

Twins pitcher Cole Sands took the loss on Saturday after giving up a run in the 9th inning as the Reds rallied to defeat the Twins 5-4. Sands entered the game with a 4-2 lead but was unable to close it out, allowing a pair of singles that led to the winning run.

Why it matters

Sands was expected to be in the mix for the Twins' closer role this season, but this outing continues a shaky start to the year for the right-hander. The Twins' bullpen struggled overall in the loss, unable to hold a late lead against the Reds.

The details

With the Twins leading 4-2 in the 9th, Sands came in to try and close out the game. He gave up a pair of singles and a sacrifice bunt that allowed the tying run to score. Sands did not record any strikeouts or walks in the outing.

  • The loss occurred on Saturday, April 18, 2026.

The players

Cole Sands

A Twins pitcher who was expected to compete for the closer role this season.

Taj Bradley

The Twins starting pitcher who left the game with a 4-2 lead.

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What they’re saying

“None of Minnesota's high-leverage relievers were particularly effective trying to protect the 4-2 lead they got handed by Taj Bradley, and Sands got left holding the bag after a pair of singles by Cincinnati were sandwiched around a sacrifice bunt.”

— RotoWire Staff, Fantasy Baseball Analyst

What’s next

Sands will look to bounce back in his next appearance as the Twins try to shore up their bullpen issues.

The takeaway

This loss highlights the Twins' bullpen struggles so far this season, with their expected closer Sands unable to protect a late lead. The team will need to find more reliable options in high-leverage situations going forward.