MLB Game Preview: Miami Marlins (42-48) vs. Cincinnati Reds (46-46)

Date: Wednesday, July 9, 2025
Venue: Great American Ball Park, Cincinnati, OH
First Pitch: 7:10 p.m. ET
Broadcast: FDSNFL, FDSNOH, MLB.TV

Team Overview & Recent Form

Team	Record	Last 5 Games	Road/Home Split
Miami Marlins	42–48	W-W-L-W-W	22–21 (Road)
Cincinnati Reds	46–46	L-L-L-L-W	24–21 (Home)

• Marlins have outscored the Reds 17–2 over the first two games of this four-game series.
• Reds are on a four-game losing streak, struggling to generate offense and facing a potential drop below .500.

Pitching Matchup

Pitcher	Team	Record	ERA	WHIP	Notes
Sandy Alcantara	Marlins	4–8	7.01	1.65	Allowed 5 ER in 6 IP in last outing vs. Braves
Andrew Abbott	Reds	7–1	2.15	1.12	Struggled last start: 3.1 IP, 4 ER, 9 H vs. Brewers

Abbott has been dominant most of the season, but Miami’s bats are red-hot. Alcantara’s ERA is inflated, but he’s capable of bounce-back performances.

Key Players to Watch

Miami Marlins

• Kyle Stowers: 16 HR, 46 RBI; slugging .509
• Xavier Edwards: Batting .286; 14-for-43 over last 10 games
• Otto Lopez: 9 HR, 27 BB; key contributor in recent wins

Cincinnati Reds

• Elly De La Cruz: 18 HR, 60 RBI; 15 doubles, 2 triples
• Spencer Steer: 4 HR, 10 RBI in last 10 games
• TJ Friedl: .277 AVG; consistent contact hitter

Statistical Comparison

Category	Marlins	Reds
Team ERA	4.66	3.95
Batting Average	.253	.245
Home Runs	98	121
Bullpen ERA	4.37	3.95
Slugging %	.390	.393

Miami’s offense has surged lately, while Cincinnati’s pitching remains solid despite recent setbacks.

Miami’s offense has overwhelmed Cincinnati’s pitching through two games, and Alcantara—despite his rough ERA—has the tools to keep the Reds quiet. Abbott’s season numbers are stellar, but his last outing raises concerns. If the Marlins continue their aggressive hitting and capitalize on Cincinnati’s recent slump, they could take control of the series.