The Reds defeated the Marlins on Tuesday.
The Cincinnati Reds earned a 6-3 win in extra innings against the Miami Marlins on Tuesday. It was a competitive contest that saw Cincinnati battle back in the ninth inning to force extra innings before winning the game in the 10th. Reds manager Terry Francona commented on his team's effort after the game.
"Everybody contributed," Francona said. "That to me makes it more... That was a special win. But it just really helps your ball club when everybody feels like they're part of it."
Marlins ace Sandy Alcantara was tremendous for 8.1 innings. He was removed in the ninth, however, and the Reds ultimately tied the game at 2-2. The offense added four more runs in the 10th and the team ended up winning 6-3.
The Reds' lineup has struggled for the most part this year. That was the case for most of Tuesday's game. Francona's ball club never gave up, though. The Reds figured something out and perhaps the lineup will carry the momentum moving forward.
Matt McClain led the way on offense with two hits, two RBIs and a run scored. Overall, the Reds had five hits, five RBIs and six runs scored.
Andrew Abbott pitched well to start the game. He allowed only two earned runs in his 5.1 innings of work. Alcantara out-performed him, but Abbott pitched well nonetheless.
Cincinnati's bullpen was strong. The Reds relievers were able to contain the Marlins for the most part. Miami was able to push one more run across in the bottom of the 10th, but the Reds still emerged victorious in the end.
Reds' Win vs. Marlins Could Change Everything
It has been a strong season for Cincinnati so far. The Reds are now 8-3 and tied with the Milwaukee Brewers for first place in the National League Central. With that being said, the offense's performance before Tuesday's contest was lackluster.
Perhaps the lineup's performance at the end of the game will change everything. Will this specific offense immediately become one of the best in baseball? Probably not, as it still has questions. Momentum is real in baseball, however, so it would not be shocking if the offense at least took a step forward.
As a team, the Reds are still 30th in runs scored despite Tuesday night's six-run outburst. They are also 27th in batting average and 26th in OPS.
It will be intriguing to see if the momentum from Tuesday does in fact carry into other games.
The Reds are set to play the Marlins in Miami once again on Wednesday and Thursday. Cincinnati can win the series with a victory on Wednesday night. First pitch for the contest is scheduled for 6:40 PM EST.