Xavier Edwards’ RBI single in the eighth inning secured a 3-2 win for the Miami Marlins over the Cincinnati Reds on Sunday. Edwards drove in Jake Burger with two outs, providing the decisive run as the Marlins won the series finale.
Fernando Cruz (3-7) struck out the first two batters of the inning before Burger doubled into the left-field corner. Tanner Scott, an All-Star, made his first appearance in the series and earned his 14th save by recording the final four outs.
A.J. Puk (3-8) picked up the win with a scoreless inning in relief. The Reds concluded their 10-game homestand with a 5-5 record.
Miami’s Trevor Rogers held the Reds hitless until the sixth inning. Jonathan India doubled and Elly De La Cruz hit his team-leading 17th home run to tie the game at 2-2. Rogers pitched 5 2/3 innings, allowing two runs on two hits and three walks.
“He pitched really well,” Marlins manager Skip Schumaker praised. “His fastball and changeup were effective today. Despite giving up a home run, he kept us in the game.” The Marlins broke the scoreless deadlock in the fifth inning.
Reds starter Nick Lodolo walked Edwards with one out. Jesus Sanchez singled, and left fielder Spencer Steer’s throwing error allowed Edwards to advance to third and Sanchez to reach second. Jonah Bride followed with a two-run single.
“Bride had some clutch at-bats,” Schumaker noted. “He came through with a big hit and played solid defense. Spot starting is never easy.”
In the seventh inning, the Reds made a concerted effort to score. With two outs and two runners on base, manager David Bell used three pinch hitters, necessitating the removal of the designated hitter as Tyler Stephenson moved to catcher. The move left Edwin Rios as the only player remaining on the bench. Puk entered the game and finished the inning.
“I thought we had some chances to score, but it didn’t pan out,” said Bell, who will be part of the All-Star Game coaching staff.
