Reds move to 5-0 in 2019 against Marlins

Eugenio Suarez drilled his 37th homer of the season against left-hander Caleb Smith in the opening frame, as the Cincinnati Reds remained undefeated against the Miami Marlins in 2019 with an 8-5 victory Tuesday night at Marlins Park.

Suárez’s two-run shot was one of three Cincinnati homers. Curt Casali’s solo shot in the fourth evened the contest at 3-3 and Nick Senzel’s two-run blast put the Reds ahead 7-3 in the sixth. Smith, unable to pitch through five, surrendered two of the three long balls, tossing 103 pitches.

Right-hander Luis Castillo, a former Marlins prospect, lasted six innings, allowing five runs, punching out 11.

After falling behind by two runs early, Isan Diaz’s two-run double in the first brought the Marlins back in the game. Later, Jorge Alfaro’s 14th homer of the season cut the deficit to 7-5 in the sixth, but the Marlins didn’t produce any more runs.

In the ninth, Reds closer Raisel Iglesias retired the first two batters faced but allowed back-to-back singles to Harold Ramirez and Garrett Cooper, bringing the tying run to the plate in Neil Walker. Walker grounded out to third to end the threat.

The Marlins, hoping to snap a five-game losing skid against Cincinnati, will welcome right-hander Sandy Alcantara to the hill Wednesday night. Alcantara’s previous outing against Atlanta went seven strong innings, allowing one unearned run, resulting in a no-decision. Right-hander Anthony DeSclafani, having previously pitched for the Marlins in 2014, gets the ball for the Reds. First pitch is scheduled for 7:10 p.m.

Reds vs. Marlins box score (Baseball Theater)

Fish Picks answer key

1. Reds
2. Over
3. Over
4. No
5. Reds