#cincinnati_reds

Chicago Cubs’ Alex Bregman Delivers Tiebreaking Homer, Bullpen Secures 5-3 Win Over Reds The Chicago Cubs overcame a rocky offensive start and a late rally by the Cincinnati Reds to secure a 5-3 victory Saturday at Great American Ballpark. The game, which marked the middle of a crucial first-half series, featured a dramatic seventh-inning home run from star slugger Alex Bregman, who broke a 3-3 tie and propelled the Cubs to their second win in the three-game set. The victory also highlighted the resilience of the Cubs’ bullpen, which held the Reds in check during a tense ninth inning to preserve the win. Bregman’s game-winning home run, his eighth of the season, came off the pitch of Reds starter Julian Garcia. The two-run blast not only shifted momentum but also marked a turning point for the Cubs, who had struggled to score consistently in the series. Prior to Saturday’s game, the team had been held scoreless in the opener, a 4-0 loss, and had only managed three runs in the previous two games. Bregman’s swing, however, reignited their offensive potential, setting the stage for a decisive victory. The Cubs’ offense finally broke through in the fifth inning when Seiya Suzuki’s RBI single off Reds pitcher Nick Lodolo plated the first run of the game. The momentum continued in the sixth, as Carson Kelly’s home run tied the score at 2-2. However, the Reds quickly responded with a run in the bottom of the inning, thanks to a solo home run by JJ Bleday, who homered on the first pitch from Drew Pomeranz. The tie forced the Cubs’ bullpen to step in, and the relief corps delivered in critical moments. Caleb Thielbar and Jacob Webb combined for a scoreless sixth and seventh innings, setting the stage for a dramatic ninth.#chicago_cubs #cincinnati_reds #alex_bregman #great_american_ballpark #julian_garcia

Chase Burns to Miss All-Star Game After Groin Injury Chase Burns, the 23-year-old Cincinnati Reds pitcher, will not participate in this year’s All-Star Game following a groin injury sustained during a recent matchup against the Philadelphia Phillies. The decision to withdraw from the event, scheduled for July 14 in Philadelphia, was made by Burns himself after he informed Reds manager Terry Francona of the injury on Friday. Francona shared that Burns expressed concern about risking further harm by playing, stating, “He just said, ‘I am just worried about doing something I shouldn’t do.’” The injury occurred on Wednesday during the second inning of the game. Burns was covering home plate when a wild pitch from Phillies’ Justin Crawford allowed the runner to advance. Despite the injury, Burns continued to pitch for an additional three innings, helping the Reds secure an 11-5 victory over the Phillies. In a post-game interview, Burns described the experience as challenging, noting, “I think adrenaline got me through it. The next day, it was just tight.” He acknowledged the physical discomfort but emphasized the importance of prioritizing his health for the remainder of the season. Burns admitted the decision to skip his first All-Star appearance was difficult, particularly given his excitement about being selected. However, he stressed that the risk of exacerbating the injury outweighed the personal disappointment. “It was a tough decision,” he said. “I am very thankful to be selected and stuff, but I kind of had a tough play at the plate against the Phillies and the groin kind of got tight. I think it’s just a mature decision to prioritize the second half of the season and not mess it up anymore.#philadelphia_phillies #cincinnati_reds #chase_burns #terry_francona #all_star_game

Veteran Infielder Elects to Leave Dodgers, Head to Free Agency Santiago Espinal, a veteran infielder, has chosen to enter free agency instead of accepting an assignment with the Los Angeles Dodgers. The team designated him for assignment earlier this week, but he cleared waivers and opted to pursue free agency, according to the team’s transaction log on MiLB.com. Espinal will now seek opportunities with other Major League Baseball teams for the 2026 season. Espinal joined the Dodgers on a minor league deal in February and became one of the team’s breakout stars during spring training. His strong performance in the Cactus League earned him a spot on the Opening Day roster as the 26th man on the bench. He held his roster spot until late May, when Kik Hernndez returned from the 60-day injured list. The Dodgers DFA’d Espinal that week, and he cleared waivers before being sent to Triple-A Oklahoma City. However, Espinal rejected the assignment and instead entered free agency. Hernndez, who was called up to replace Espinal, remained on the roster for only two games before re-injuring his oblique and returning to the injured list. The Dodgers quickly recalled Espinal, and he responded with strong performances in his second stint with the team. Over his second spell with the Dodgers, Espinal went 6-for-15 (.400) with an OPS of .775. His resurgence came as Tommy Edman was set to return from the 60-day IL, prompting the Dodgers to DFA him again. Manager Dave Roberts acknowledged Espinal’s contributions, stating, “Espy’s been great for us. But it’s just kind of the fit right now with our ball club, it just doesn’t make a whole lot of sense.” Espinal’s time with the Dodgers ended with a .268 batting average across 36 games, along with one home run, seven RBIs, and an OPS of .651.#boston_red_sox #los_angeles_dodgers #cincinnati_reds #toronto_blue_jays #santiago_espinal

Samad Taylor, Padres Lose to Reds in 11 Innings The San Diego Padres suffered a 5-3 loss to the Cincinnati Reds in a 11-inning marathon at Petco Park on Tuesday night, as missed opportunities and clutch failures plagued their offense. The Padres left the go-ahead run at third base in the eighth inning, loaded the bases with one out in the ninth, and stranded the winning run at second base in the 10th. Their struggles with runners in scoring position culminated in a 3-for-20 performance in such situations, highlighting a critical weakness in their lineup. Samad Taylor, the Padres’ latest call-up, emerged as a bright spot in the game. Hoped to provide a spark after replacing Nick Castellanos on the roster, Taylor exceeded expectations with his all-around contributions. Over the past three games, he has been San Diego’s most impactful offensive player, combining power, speed, and defensive prowess. Taylor’s game-tying single in the 10th inning sent the contest to extras, a clutch hit that underscored his value to the team. Manager Craig Stammen praised Taylor’s energy and performance, calling him “everything the Padres hoped he’d be—and then some.” Despite Taylor’s heroics, the Padres’ offense struggled to capitalize on key moments. In the ninth inning, Manny Machado, a veteran known for his clutch hitting, faced a critical situation with the bases loaded and one out. Machado, who had already recorded two hits in the game, struck out swinging, and Gavin Sheets followed suit, forcing the game into extra innings. Machado’s .163 batting average with runners in scoring position this season marked a stark contrast to his career performance, raising questions about his recent struggles. Stammen, however, remained confident in Machado’s ability, vowing to place him in high-leverage situations throughout the season.#cincinnati_reds #manny_machado #san_diego_padres #petco_park #samad_taylor

Phillies Rally Late, Edge Reds on Bryson Stott’s Two-Run Homer The Philadelphia Phillies overcame a one-run deficit in the eighth inning to defeat the Cincinnati Reds 5-4 on Monday night, thanks to Alec Bohm’s fourth home run of the season and Bryson Stott’s clutch two-run blast. The game, played under summery conditions at Citizens Bank Park with a sellout crowd of 40,065, saw the Phillies score two runs in the first inning and maintain control despite a late rally by the Reds. Rookie right-hander Andrew Painter provided a quality start, pitching six innings and allowing just two runs. The Reds’ bullpen, however, struggled in the seventh and eighth innings, surrendering single runs that put the Phillies in a precarious position. Bohm broke the game open with a solo home run in the sixth inning, giving the Phillies a 3-2 lead. Stott then delivered the decisive blow, hitting an 0-1 slider from reliever Graham Ashcraft into the right-field seats for a two-run homer with two outs in the eighth. The victory extended the Phillies’ winning streak to five games, marking their first five-game winning streak of the season. The team has now won 16 of its last 20 games under manager Don Mattingly, who took over for Rob Thomson when the team was 9-19. Since Mattingly’s arrival, the Phillies have posted a 16-4 record, with starting pitching playing a key role. Painter’s first quality start of the season was the team’s 13th under Mattingly. The absence of injured slugger Kyle Schwarber, the majors’ leading home run hitter, forced the Phillies to rely on younger stars. Bohm, who had struggled with a .151 batting average in his first 29 games, hit .345 with three doubles, three homers, and eight RBIs since May 1. Stott, who had hit just .#philadelphia_phillies #cincinnati_reds #don_mattingly #alec_bohm #bryson_stott

Which Weeks Are Cincinnati Bengals Most Likely to Play AFC North Games? The NFL has been gradually releasing matchup details ahead of the full schedule announcement, but none of the early updates have included the Cincinnati Bengals. Fans are turning to historical data to predict the team’s likely schedule for AFC North opponents. A major focus this season is determining how many division games the Bengals will face early in the season, as the Browns, Ravens, and Steelers adjust to new coaching staffs. A strong possibility exists that one of these matchups will occur in the season opener, which is expected to take place at Paycor Stadium. The Bengals have consistently closed their seasons with a divisional game, ending 16 consecutive years with such a matchup. The only exception was 2009, when they faced the Jets instead of a divisional opponent before meeting them again in the Wild Card playoff game. Week 1 is not the most frequent week for divisional games, though it has occurred 10 times in the 24 seasons since the AFC North was formed. While the Bengals have only played divisional openers three times in Zac Taylor’s seven seasons, all three instances have occurred in the last four openers (2025 at Cleveland, 2023 at Cleveland, and 2022 vs. Pittsburgh). However, Week 1 is not the second-most common week for division games. Week 12 stands out as the most likely week for an AFC North matchup, with 13 instances in the past 24 seasons. Six of these occurred in the last nine seasons, including the 2024 season when the Bengals had a bye week. The last nine Week 12 opponents include a mix of divisional teams, with the Steelers and Ravens often appearing in this slot. Week 13 follows closely behind with 12 instances, though it has become a less consistent trend.#cincinnati_reds #cincinnati_bengals #zac_taylor #paycor_stadium #afc_north

Astros and Reds Set for Final Game of Three-Game Series on May 10, 2026 The Houston Astros (16-24) and Cincinnati Reds (21-19) are set to conclude a three-game series at Great American Ball Park on Sunday, May 10, 2026. The matchup, scheduled for a 12:40 p.m. CT first pitch, features right-handed pitcher Kai-Wei Teng (1-2, 2.35 ERA) for the Astros and left-handed starter Andrew Abbott (1-2, 5.13 ERA) for the Reds. This game marks the final contest of the series, with the Astros aiming to extend their winning streak against the Reds. Kai-Wei Teng, making his second start of the season, will look to build on his strong relief outings. In 13 appearances as a reliever, Teng has posted a 1.80 ERA (4 earned runs over 20 innings) with a .183 opponent batting average. His most recent start came on April 28 against the Baltimore Orioles, where he allowed two runs on five hits and two strikeouts in three innings. Teng’s performance in his first Major League start on August 8, 2025, against the Washington Nationals earned him a win and made him the eighth Taiwanese-born pitcher in MLB history to achieve this milestone. He joins RHP Chien Jen-Lo (2013) as the second Taiwanese-born player in Astros history. The Astros’ matchup against the Reds carries historical significance, as the two teams have faced each other 859 times, the most games in MLB history. The Astros hold a 404-454-1 record in the series, with a 2-1 record against the Reds in 2025. Notably, the Astros secured their first win at Great American Ball Park since September 9, 2012, on Friday night. Isaac Paredes, the Astros’ infielder, reached a career milestone on Friday night by playing in his 600th game, becoming the 14th Mexican-born player to achieve this feat.#cincinnati_reds #andrew_abbott #houston_astros #great_american_ball_park #kai_wei_teng

Cincinnati Reds Closer Emilio Pagan Suffers Severe Hamstring Injury Cincinnati Reds closer Emilio Pagan suffered a significant hamstring injury during a game against the Chicago Cubs on Tuesday night, forcing him to be transported off the field in a cart. The incident occurred in the bottom of the ninth inning, where Pagan, already dealing with recurring hamstring issues from earlier in the 2026 season, threw just one pitch. The pitch, a fly ball to Cubs second baseman Nico Hoerner, prompted Pagan to immediately clutch his left hamstring, signaling a more severe injury than his previous setbacks. Medical staff assessed the situation quickly, determining that Pagan was unable to bear weight on his left leg. Trainers rushed onto the field to assist him, and he was swiftly taken to a medical cart to be transported to the team’s facility. The Reds’ decision to use a cart instead of a stretcher indicated the severity of the injury, as Pagan was clearly in distress. Right-handed reliever Jose Franco was called upon to relieve him in the 2-2 game, which was the second contest of a series between the Reds and Cubs, longstanding rivals in the National League Central. This injury marks a critical setback for the Reds, as Pagan has been a key reliever for the team. His previous hamstring troubles in April 2026 had limited his availability, but this latest incident appears to be more serious. The Reds will likely need to adjust their bullpen strategy, relying on Franco and other relievers to fill the gap. Pagan’s absence could have a notable impact on the team’s late-inning defense, especially as the season progresses. The incident highlights the physical demands placed on pitchers, particularly closers, who often face high-intensity situations in the late innings.#chicago_cubs #cincinnati_reds #nico_hoerner #emilio_pagan #jose_franco

Nathaniel Lowe hits 2nd homer of the game for Reds walk-off win CINCINNATI – The Cincinnati Reds secured a thrilling 9-8 victory over the Detroit Tigers on Friday, with Nathaniel Lowe delivering the game-winning home run in the ninth inning. Lowe, who entered the game as the designated hitter after Eugenio Suárez was scratched with a left oblique injury, hit his first two home runs as a Red during the contest. His second homer was a walk-off shot against Kenley Jansen, sealing the win for the Reds. The Reds, who had won six of their last seven games and eight of their last 10, extended their winning streak. Sal Stewart and Elly De La Cruz had driven much of the team’s success in the first month of the season, but contributions from other players emerged during a recent 5-1 road trip through Minnesota and Tampa Bay. Manager Terry Francona praised the team’s depth, stating, “If we start getting contributions from all over the map, that’ll really help us.” Lowe’s first two home runs came after the Reds trailed 5-0 through four innings. Matt McLain, who had struggled earlier in the season, sparked a comeback with a two-run homer in the fifth inning against Tigers starter Framber Valdez. In the sixth, Lowe hit a 2-1 cutter into the right-field seats for a Statcast-projected 438-foot shot, making it a two-run game. Showers forced a one-hour, 49-minute rain delay after the third out of the sixth inning. Instead of the planned postgame fireworks show, the Reds set them off during the delay to fill the time. The long break did not stop Cincinnati’s momentum. In the seventh, reliever Will Vest walked the leadoff batter, Dane Myers. In a full count, McLain jumped on a fastball that was up over the inner-half of the plate for the game-tying two-run homer.#cincinnati_reds #terry_francona #nathaniel_lowe #detriot_tigers #kenley_jansen

MLB 2026: Early-Season Stats and Numbers to Watch Four weeks into the 2026 Major League Baseball season, the league’s landscape has already shifted significantly from preseason expectations. The Cincinnati Reds and Pittsburgh Pirates are locked in a tight race for the third-best record in baseball, while the New York Mets struggle with a 12-game losing streak, dragging them to the bottom of the NL East. The Philadelphia Phillies, meanwhile, hold the worst run differential in the majors, and the Houston Astros, despite their historical dominance, face mounting challenges in their rotation. The Athletics lead the AL West, and the Boston Red Sox and Toronto Blue Jays continue to grapple with offensive struggles. Early-season stats are often unpredictable, but some metrics have already begun to signal potential trends. Jeff Passan highlights the league’s unprecedented walk rate, which sits at 9.9%, a 16% increase from 2025. This surge is attributed to the automated ball-strike system, which has standardized the strike zone and altered pitching and hitting strategies. Pitchers are throwing more changeups and splitters, while breaking balls are moving more sharply. These adjustments have led to longer games, with the average duration now at 2:42 in the first month of the season—up from 2:36 in 2024. Kiley McDaniel focuses on Cam Smith’s bat speed, which has spiked to 78 mph, placing him fourth in the league. Smith, a 2024 draft pick for the Chicago Cubs, has shown promise with a .313 batting average and seven home runs in his first 32 games. However, his early 2026 performance has been marked by a 21st-ranked expected batting average, suggesting his success may be due to luck. His improved bat speed, combined with a more aggressive attack angle, could position him for a breakout season.#new_york_mets #philadelphia_phillies #cincinnati_reds #pittsburgh_pirates #mlb_2026

The Cincinnati Reds are finally hitting the ball hard The 2025 Cincinnati Reds endured a season defined by resilience, managing to stay just above .500 and securing a Wild Card berth in the National League before being swiftly eliminated by a future World Series contender. While their pitching staff, particularly the starting rotation, was a standout element of their success, their offense remained a glaring weakness. Despite a player who managed to lead the team in home runs despite playing on a bum thigh, the Reds struggled to generate power. Statcast data from that season revealed their average exit velocity (EV) was a dismal 88.6 mph, placing them second to last in the league, with only Cleveland and Houston hitting the ball softer. Their EV50, which measures the speed at which 50% of batted balls travel, was also among the worst in the game, and their number of balls hit over 95 mph ranked third worst. The 2026 season marked a hopeful turning point for the Reds, who aimed to transform their offense into a more formidable force. Key additions like Eugenio Suarez were expected to bring much-needed power, while players such as Elly De La Cruz, Tyler Stephenson, and Matt McLain were anticipated to return from injury-related struggles. Sal Stewart, a known power hitter, was also expected to contribute immediately. These changes were seen as critical to addressing the team’s long-standing offensive shortcomings. Early in the 2026 season, the Reds began to show signs of progress. In their first 10 games, they ranked fourth in average exit velocity at 90.7 mph, a significant improvement from the 88.6 mph recorded in 2025. Their EV50 of 100.2 mph placed them fifth in the league, signaling a marked shift in their approach.#cincinnati_reds #eugenio_suarez #elly_de_la_cruz #sal_stewart #tyler_stephenson

Breaking down Reds' early season performance CINCINNATI -- Just over two weeks into the 2026 season, the Cincinnati Reds are navigating a challenging start, with small sample sizes making it premature to draw definitive conclusions. However, early observations highlight both areas of concern and potential strengths. Manager Terry Francona and players have acknowledged the team’s struggles while emphasizing the importance of process and resilience. The offense has been a primary issue, as the Reds rank near the bottom of Major League Baseball in runs scored, tallying just 48 through the season’s opening weeks. Despite offseason upgrades, including the signing of Eugenio Suárez, the team’s batting average of .208 places them 26th in the league. This underperformance is compounded by a gap between actual and expected performance. The team’s combined weighted on-base average (wOBA) of .291 is 22 points below its expected xwOBA of .313, tying them with St. Louis as the second-unluckiest offense in baseball. Several hitters have failed to replicate their Spring Training success, with only rookie Sal Stewart showing sustained production. The lack of consistency has led to frustration, but Francona praised the players’ approach. “We’re fighting through frustrations on the offensive side of the game, but what I love is they’re playing the game right,” he said. “The guys that we have are going to hit.” Left fielder Spencer Steer, who has struggled with timing, exemplified the team’s challenges. During a 10-2 loss to the Angels, Steer hit two drives over 100 mph off the bat, only to see them caught by Mike Trout. “You can do everything right and hit the ball hard and you’re out,” Steer said. “That’s the goal, hit the ball hard every time I’m up, find a way on base and be a tough out.#cincinnati_reds #eugenio_suarez #terry_francona #elly_de_la_cruz #spencer_steer

Josh Lowe and Nathaniel Lowe Share Heartfelt Moment on the Field The Los Angeles Angels’ Josh Lowe and his brother Nathaniel Lowe, who plays for the Cincinnati Reds, shared a rare and emotional moment on the baseball field during a game that highlighted both their competitive spirit and personal connection. The encounter unfolded during a 10-2 Angels victory over the Reds, with the brothers facing off for the first time in a regular-season game since their mother, Wendy Lowe, passed away in March 2025 at the age of 60 from glioblastoma, an aggressive form of brain cancer. The game, played on Friday, marked a poignant reunion for the family, as the Lowe brothers and their relatives gathered on the field to honor their late mother’s memory. The game’s most memorable moment came when Josh Lowe, the Angels’ outfielder, struck out on a 54.2 mph pitch thrown by Cincinnati catcher P.J. Higgins, who made his first career appearance as a pitcher in mop-up duty. The pitch, one of the slowest in Major League Baseball history, elicited laughter from Josh as he walked back to the dugout. His brother Nathaniel, playing first base for the Reds, couldn’t help but smile as he watched the moment unfold. Nathaniel, who had been trying to suppress his smirk, was caught on camera grinning as he fielded the ball, capturing the lighthearted tension between the siblings. The incident was a stark contrast to an earlier moment in the game when Josh broke out of a 3-for-33 slump by hitting a solo home run. The blast, which came during a multi-hit game, was a turning point for Josh, who had struggled to find his rhythm at the plate. The home run not only lifted his spirits but also added to the Angels’ offensive output, contributing to their decisive victory. The emotional weight of the game extended beyond the field.#cincinnati_reds #los_angeles_angels #josh_lowe #nathaniel_lowe #wendy_lowe

Game 8: Reds at Rangers - Lowder vs. Rocker The Cincinnati Reds faced the Texas Rangers in a pivotal matchup on Saturday evening, April 4, 2026, with right-handed pitchers Rhett Lowder and Kumar Rocker set to take the mound. The game, scheduled for 7:05 PM ET, marked the eighth contest of the season for both teams. The Reds, struggling with a league-worst offense, aimed to capitalize on their lineup adjustments ahead of the game. The Reds’ lineup for the contest included TJ Friedl in center field, Brandon Nimmo in right field, and Matt McLain at second base. Elly De La Cruz was positioned at shortstop, while Sal Stewart and Eugenio Suarez occupied first and third base, respectively. Nathaniel Lowe was listed as the designated hitter, and Jose Trevino served as the catcher. On the pitching side, Lowder was expected to anchor the rotation. The Rangers countered with a lineup featuring Brandon Nimmo in right field, Wyatt Langford in left field, and Corey Seager at shortstop. Jake Burger and Joc Pederson were placed at first base and designated hitter, while Josh Smith and Josh Jung filled second and third base. Danny Jansen was the catcher for the Rangers, with Kumar Rocker as their starting pitcher. The game was part of a broader series between the Reds and Rangers, with earlier contests in the same series scheduled for April 3 and April 4. The Reds had called up Kyle Nicolas ahead of the series opener against the Angels, signaling a potential lineup shakeup. However, the team also faced internal challenges, as they placed Jose Trevino on the injured list and designated Christian Encarnacion-Strand for assignment (DFA). The Reds’ offensive struggles were a recurring theme, with discussions highlighting their poor performance in key metrics.#cincinnati_reds #rhett_lowder #texas_rangers #kumar_rocker #tj_friedl

Reds at Marlins Prediction: Odds, Recent Stats, Trends, and Best Bets for April 9 The Cincinnati Reds (8-4) and the Miami Marlins (7-5) are set to face off in the final game of a four-game series on Thursday, April 9, 2026, at LoanDepot Park. The Reds lead the series 2-1, but the Marlins ended a two-game losing streak with a 7-4 victory on Wednesday, preventing a sweep. The Reds’ five-game winning streak was snapped in the previous matchup, dropping their road record to 5-1 after a 3-3 start at home. Meanwhile, the Marlins have avoided a sweep and aim to secure the series. The Reds’ offense ranks 27th in the league with a .209 batting average, but their pitching staff is among the best, posting a 3.11 ERA. The Marlins, meanwhile, have a 3.79 ERA in their rotation, ranking 13th, but they lead the league in batting average (.266) and stolen bases (16). The Marlins’ offense has been a key factor in their recent success, with players like Xavier Edwards (.400 average, 18 hits, 10 runs) and Sal Stewart (.366 average, 15 hits, 28 total bases) contributing significantly. The Reds’ Ke’Bryan Hayes (.097 average, three hits) and Connor Norby (.206 average, seven hits) have struggled in recent games. The pitching matchup for the game features Reds’ Max Meyer (9.2 IP, 4.66 ERA, 11 Ks) facing the Marlins’ Rhett Lowder (11.0 IP, 1.64 ERA, 9 Ks). Both pitchers have shown strong control, with Lowder posting a 0.91 WHIP and Meyer a 1.34 WHIP. The game’s betting lines reflect the teams’ recent performance: the Marlins are -115 on the moneyline, while the Reds are -105. The spread favors the Reds at -1.5 (-152) and the Marlins at +1.5 (-185). The total score is set at 8.0, with the Marlins 8-4 to the Over and the Reds 5-6-1 to the Over this season.#loandepot_park #miami_marlins #cincinnati_reds #rhett_lowder #max_meyer

Cincinnati Reds at Miami Marlins Odds, Picks and Predictions The Cincinnati Reds (8-4) and the Miami Marlins (7-5) are set to face off Thursday at loanDepot Park in Miami, Florida, with the first pitch scheduled for 12:10 p.m. ET. The matchup, which has drawn significant attention from sports betting enthusiasts, is part of a four-game series that has seen the Reds lead the overall season series 2-1. The Marlins secured a 7-4 victory Wednesday as moderate favorites (-130), with the Over (7.5) cashing in for the second consecutive night. This win marked Miami’s first victory in three attempts in the series, as they built a 6-2 lead after three innings. Miami’s offensive surge was highlighted by 1B Connor Norby’s first home run of the season, a solo shot, and LF Griffin Conine’s second home run of 2025. Cincinnati’s 1B Sal Stewart contributed with a double and a home run, driving in two runs and tallying two RBIs despite the loss. The Reds’ 5-game win streak was snapped by this defeat, while the Marlins have struggled in their past six games, posting a 2-4 record. Notably, the Over has cashed in eight of Miami’s past nine games, indicating a trend toward higher-scoring contests. The starting pitching matchup features RHP Rhett Lowder for the Reds and RHP Max Meyer for the Marlins. Lowder, who has made two starts in 2026, is off to a strong start with a 1.64 ERA, 0.91 WHIP, 3.3 BB/9, and 7.4 K/9 in 11 innings. His most recent outing was a 2-0 victory over the Texas Rangers, where he pitched 6 innings, allowed zero earned runs, and struck out four batters. Lowder has never faced the Marlins, which could play a role in his performance. Meyer, on the other hand, has a 4.66 ERA in 2026 and a 1.34 WHIP, with 4.7 BB/9 and 10.2 K/9 in 9 2/3 innings.#loandepot_park #miami_marlins #cincinnati_reds #sal_stewart #griffin_conine

Reds vs. Marlins Odds, Prediction, and Line: 2026 MLB Picks for April 9 from Proven Model The Miami Marlins aim to split the four-game series against the Cincinnati Reds in the final matchup of the 2026 season, set for Thursday afternoon at loanDepot Park in Miami. The Reds, who entered the game with an 8-4 record, had their five-game winning streak snapped in a 7-4 loss to the Marlins on Wednesday. The Reds, now 5-1 on the road this season, face a challenge against a Marlins team that has won six of its last seven games at home. The Marlins, with a 7-5 record, are looking to capitalize on their momentum after ending a two-game losing streak. The game is scheduled for 12:10 p.m. ET, with the Reds holding a slight edge in the all-time series, 139-107. However, the Marlins have dominated the recent matchups, winning five of the last seven games against Cincinnati. The money line odds favor the Marlins as -128 favorites, meaning bettors would need to risk $128 to win $100, while the Reds are listed as +109 underdogs, offering a higher payout for a $100 bet. The over/under for total runs is set at 8, with SportsLine’s model projecting the game to exceed that total. SportsLine’s computer model, which has a track record of profitability in MLB betting, simulated the Reds vs. Marlins matchup 10,000 times and identified key trends. The model’s analysis suggests the Marlins, who rank fourth in the league in offense with a .262 team batting average, are poised to outscore the Reds. The Marlins have scored 59 runs in 12 games, the sixth-highest total in baseball, while the Reds, who scored 716 runs in 2025, are expected to contribute significantly to the offensive output. The model’s projections highlight the Marlins’ strong offensive potential, with their lineup expected to generate over 1.#loandepot_park #miami_marlins #cincinnati_reds #otto_lopez #jakob_marsee

Reds’ Sal Stewart continues strong start in return to Miami Sal Stewart’s return to Miami was more than just a baseball game—it was a homecoming for the Cincinnati Reds first baseman, a former standout at Miami Westminster Christian. On Monday night, the 22-year-old prospect, ranked No. 19 in MLB Pipeline’s rankings, stepped onto loanDepot park for his first at-bat as a big-leaguer, greeted by a crowd of around 150 to 170 fans in Section 8 behind the Reds’ dugout. The group, many of whom had followed Stewart’s journey from high school to the majors, made their presence known during his first inning plate appearance and again in the fourth inning when he launched a middle-middle fastball past a diving Leo Jimenez for an RBI single, opening the Reds’ 2-0 victory over the Miami Marlins. Stewart’s performance was part of a broader trend for the Reds, who began a four-game series with a strong showing. The game was defined by dominant starting pitching, with the Marlins’ Janson Junk tossing a career-high 7 1/3 innings and Cincinnati’s Brandon Williamson holding Miami to three hits and one walk over 6 2/3 shutout frames. Stewart’s fourth-inning single up the middle, which drove in Elly De La Cruz from second base, gave the Reds a 1-0 lead. Tyler Stephenson later doubled the advantage with a solo home run in the eighth, capping a day where Stewart hit .353 with a 1.094 OPS through the first 10 games of the 2026 season. For Stewart, the game carried personal significance. Growing up in Miami, he had often visited loanDepot park, where he marveled at the home-run sculpture in left-center field that activated every time a Marlins player hit a homer. As a teenager, he told his father he couldn’t wait for the sculpture to ring out when he hit a home run at the stadium.#miami #loandepot_park #miami_marlins #cincinnati_reds #sal_stewart

Reds Notebook: Sal Stewart’s Homecoming, Nick Lodolo Finding New Ideas MIAMI — Sal Stewart, a 26-year-old right-handed pitcher for the Cincinnati Reds, is set to make his first appearance in his hometown of Miami as the Reds face the Miami Marlins this week. Stewart, who grew up in the city, described Miami as a place that has shaped his identity and instilled in him a sense of confidence and resilience. “It’s in my blood,” Stewart said. “You’ve got to have tough skin to be in Miami. You have to have confidence in yourself. Miami is ingrained in you. It’s who I am and how I was raised.” Stewart, who attended high school just 30 minutes away from loanDepot Park, has long been a fan of the Marlins’ home stadium. This week marks his debut as a professional player in his hometown, a moment he is eager to share with family and friends. While he estimates that between 150 and 170 people he knows will attend the game, Stewart acknowledges that the event will be a personal milestone rather than a high-profile spectacle. “Cincinnati is my family, but this is where I grew up,” he said. “Everyone knows how much Miami means to me.” The Reds’ game in Miami is expected to draw a modest crowd, especially during a weekday in April. Stewart noted that while the atmosphere may not be electric, the presence of loved ones will make the experience meaningful. “I’m just excited to be here and to share this moment with the people who supported me growing up,” he added. Meanwhile, Reds pitcher Nick Lodolo is focusing on addressing a recurring issue with blisters on his fingers. The 28-year-old right-hander, who has been working to refine his mechanics, has been experimenting with a new approach to manage the problem.#loandepot_park #miami_marlins #cincinnati_reds #sal_stewart #nick_lodolo

Giants' Robbie Ray: Notches Another Seven Ks in Victory Robbie Ray of the San Francisco Giants delivered a dominant performance on Tuesday, securing a crucial victory against the Philadelphia Phillies. The right-handed pitcher struck out seven batters while allowing just three hits and three walks over six and two-thirds innings. His effort earned him the win, marking his second victory of the season and his first quality start. Ray’s ability to consistently retire batters has become a defining trait of his recent outings, with the 28-year-old hurler now posting exactly seven strikeouts in two consecutive starts. This latest performance solidified Ray’s status as a reliable starter for the Giants. Through 17.1 innings across three starts, he has compiled an impressive 18:6 strikeout-to-walk ratio, showcasing his command and effectiveness. His 6.2-inning outing against the Phillies was his longest of the season, a testament to his growing confidence and control. Ray’s ERA has dropped to 2.08, a figure that reflects his ability to limit damage and keep opponents in check. Notably, he has yet to surrender more than two earned runs in any single start, a sign of his consistency and ability to manage high-leverage situations. The victory marked a significant milestone for Ray, who has been working to establish himself as a key contributor for the Giants. His performance on Tuesday was particularly noteworthy, as it came after a series of mixed results earlier in the season. The win not only bolstered his personal stats but also provided a much-needed boost to the Giants’ playoff hopes.#philadelphia_phillies #cincinnati_reds #san_francisco_giants #robbie_ray #national_league