Rookie Brooks Lee’s 5 RBIs help Twins rally past Reds 9-2

MINNEAPOLIS, MN – Rookie Brooks Lee delivered a standout performance with five RBIs, and Carlos Santana added a two-run homer as the Minnesota Twins staged a comeback to defeat the Cincinnati Reds 9-2 on Sunday. The win snapped a rough stretch for the Twins, who had only secured three victories in their previous 11 games.

Ryan Jeffers also contributed significantly, collecting two hits and scoring twice. The Twins’ offensive surge came in the sixth and seventh innings, during which they scored eight runs to avoid a three-game sweep.

With this victory, Minnesota (79-70) preserved their 2.5-game lead over Detroit and Seattle (both at 77-73) for the final American League wild card spot. The Twins will head to Cleveland on Monday to kick off a seven-game road trip that will conclude in Boston.

On the mound, Cole Sands (8-1) and Jorge Alcala both pitched two scoreless innings, each allowing just one hit. Alcala also struck out four batters.

Trailing 2-1 in the sixth inning, Santana hit a one-out double off Reds’ pitcher Rhett Lowder (1-2), who was making his fourth major league start. After Trevor Larnach walked and Tony Santillan struck out Willi Castro, Jeffers hit an RBI double, and Lee followed with a single, giving the Twins a 4-2 lead.

In the seventh inning, Santana blasted a two-run homer against Justin Wilson, hitting the ball off the facing of the second deck in left field. Lee then added a bases-loaded triple down the right-field line to further solidify the lead.

Twins starter David Festa struggled, giving up two runs on three hits and three walks over 3 2/3 innings. This marked the second consecutive game where a Minnesota starter did not make it past the fourth inning.

For the Reds, Spencer Steer hit an RBI triple in the fourth and scored on Ty France’s sacrifice fly.

**Upcoming Games:**

– **Reds:** Left-hander Brandon Williamson (0-0, 2.08) will start against Atlanta on Tuesday, opening the Reds’ final homestand of the season.
– **Twins:** Right-hander Pablo López (15-8, 3.88) will take the mound on Monday to begin a four-game series in Cleveland. The Guardians, currently leading their division, will counter with left-hander Matt Boyd (2-1, 2.18).