Reds vs. Marlins: Pitching preview, prediction, and more

CINCINNATI, OHIO - AUGUST 19: Joey Votto #19 of the Cincinnati Reds rounds bases after hitting a tree-run home run. (Photo by Tim Nwachukwu/Getty Images)
CINCINNATI, OHIO - AUGUST 19: Joey Votto #19 of the Cincinnati Reds rounds bases after hitting a tree-run home run. (Photo by Tim Nwachukwu/Getty Images)
1 of 4
Jonathan India #6 of the Cincinnati Reds throws to first base past Lewis Brinson #25 of the Miami Marlins.
CINCINNATI, OHIO – AUGUST 21: Jonathan India #6 of the Cincinnati Reds throws to first base past Lewis Brinson #25 of the Miami Marlins. (Photo by Emilee Chinn/Getty Images)

The Reds conclude their road trip with a visit to South Beach.

It wasn’t easy, but the Cincinnati Reds (70-59) were able to salvage the final game of their three-game set in Milwaukee and finish their season series with the Brewers going 9-10 versus the National Central Division leaders. As a result, of losing more ground in the division, it’s time for Reds Country to set their sights firmly on the Wild Card race.

Despite dropping two of three to the Beer Makers, the Reds extended their advantage for the second and final Wild Card berth to two games as the Los Angeles Dodgers provided much-appreciated help by sweeping a three-game set from the San Diego Padres.

In a complete free fall, the Friars have lost 12 of their last 14 contests, allowing the Redlegs, who’ve gone 9-5 in their last 14 games, to surpass them in the standings.

However, don’t look for the Reds to receive such favors for much longer. This is a talented San Diego club that has a date with the Los Angeles Angels his weekend. If Cincinnati is to maintain its lead in the Wild Card race, they will need to take care of business in Miami.

After not facing the Marlins in the 2021 season until August 18th, the two clubs will conclude their season series over the next three days at LoanDepot Park. Hopefully, the Reds have some of the magic left from last weekend when they swept a four-game set from the Fish.

Miami bounced back this week, taking two of three from the Washington Nationals, but still occupy the National League East basement, trailing the division-leading Atlanta Braves by 16 games. However, the Redlegs should not take the Marlins for granted. Miami is 32-31 when playing in South Florida.

Schedule