MINNEAPOLIS – When Tyler Naquin launched a go-ahead, three-run homer in the ninth inning Tuesday, the Target Field crowd of 19,187 went quiet and the 30-some people in the Cincinnati Reds dugout erupted.
It wasn’t just an important homer in the Reds’ 10-7 victory over the Minnesota Twins. It saved the bullpen from another day of misery.
After Wade Miley pitched seven solid innings, the Reds’ bullpen coughed up a five-run lead in the eighth inning while recording only one out. Art Warren walked the first batter he faced on four pitches and surrendered a two-run homer to Max Kepler.