MIA 3, CIN 2: Braxton shoves and Soler clubs to even the series

CINCINNATI, Ohio—The main storyline heading into this series was simple: both of these teams in Cincinnati are struggling coming out of the trade deadline. The Reds got one back on Monday behind a stellar outing from Brandon Williamson, but the Marlins showed their toughness on Tuesday, coming from behind late for a 3-2 victory and snapping their five-game losing streak.

The Game

The Marlins got out to an early 1-0 lead again, but it wasn't on a solo shot in this small ballpark. Jake Burger ripped a double to right field with two outs, who was then driven in by slumping Joey Wendle on another double.

The Marlins would load the bases after a Nick Fortes single and Jorge Soler walk, but Luis Arraez grounded out to end the rally. Still, good to see production from the bottom of the order early on.

The Reds would respond right away, as Kevin Newman reached on a fielder's choice and was driven in by TJ Friedl on an RBI double to left field. Cincinnati tied it up at 1-1.

Despite allowing just one run, Reds starting pitcher Luke Weaver was pulled after 4 1/3 innings. His final line: 4.1 IP, 5 H, ER, BB, 6 K. He worked his pitch count up to 89 pitches, but this was a vast improvement for him given his season numbers (he entered the start with a 6.98 ERA).

I can't even describe what happened in the bottom of the 5th. I don't know what Jesús Sánchez was doing. I especially don't know what Nick Fortes was doing. Just watch to see how the Reds went up 2-1:

Braxton Garrett's night was done after six innings, as he turned in a very stellar outing. His final line: 6 IP, 6 H, 2 ER, 3 K. Didn't walk a single batter. More on him later.

Things were looking bleak for the Marlins offense once again until Nick Fortes got hit by a pitch with two outs to keep the seventh inning alive, which prompted Reds manager David Bell to bring Lucas Sims on in relief. Coming into tonight's game, Lucas Sims had given up five home runs to the Marlins in just eleven career appearances. Jorge Soler came up to the plate, and blasted the sixth. The Marlins took the lead back, 3-2, thanks again to their clutch slugger (who was placed in the leadoff spot to shake things up).

The bullpen held it down the rest of the way for the Marlins, as Tanner Scott was nails in the 8th inning and David Robertson got the save to give Miami the win to even the series.

Braxton gets back on track

The Reds have hit lefties well this year. Garrett desperately needed to get back into the swing of things and he dialed in tonight to work out of a couple jams and ultimately did enough to win the game. If not for the chaotic Sánchez/Fortes play, his final line would've been even better. Talking about his approach coming into tonight, Garrett said, "I approach the game the same just about every time. I watch video to see how they've been swinging against lefties lately. I just try to take my stuff to try and figure out where those holes are."

Soler works well at leadoff

Soler had a flawless night at the plate: a walk, two singles, and the go-ahead homer in the 7th inning. Yeah, Skip knew what he was doing switching it up. Many were critical of the change, but Skip in his pregame presser justified it by mentioning how Soler hit well in the leadoff spot for Atlanta in 2021 and figured it has a shot of working again. It did tonight, at least.

Moving forward, Skip believes there's a good chance he plays there more moving forward. "He feels comfortable there. I think if he plays right field at home, I wouldn't have him run in and hit leadoff. That's a long run for a big guy. I do feel as though there's a good chance it could happen (as DH)," Skip stated.

Moving ahead

One win was all the Marlins needed to get going, according to Braxton Garrett. "Wins are a little hard to come by for us right now, but I think we're going to see an attitude switch moving forward. We have a lot more energy and are having a lot more fun previously. I think if we all focus on just having a good time and having fun playing the game, it'll trend up," Garrett claimed.

The Marlins will finish out this three-game set Wednesday afternoon with Johnny Cueto. He'll be making his first road start of 2023 and what could be the final start of his career at Great American Ball Park where it all began for him. First pitch is at 12:35 p.m. on MLB Network nationally and Bally Sports Florida locally.

Photo by Dylan Buell/Getty Images