The Cincinnati Reds delivered a commanding performance on July 10, 2025, blanking the Miami Marlins 6-0 at Great American Ball Park to earn a split in their four-game series. Behind a dominant outing from left-hander Nick Lodolo and timely hitting led by Spencer Steer and Elly De La Cruz, the Reds showcased a balanced attack that stifled Miami’s offense and kept Cincinnati’s playoff hopes alive.
Lodolo’s Masterful Start
Nick Lodolo was the story on the mound, pitching six strong innings while allowing just three hits, no walks, and striking out four. This marked the seventh time this season Lodolo has limited opponents to one run or fewer, highlighting his growing consistency and command. Lodolo improved to 6-6 on the year, delivering a gem that kept the Reds in control from start to finish.
“Nick was outstanding tonight,” said Reds manager David Bell. “He mixed his pitches well and kept the Marlins off balance. That’s the kind of performance we need from him down the stretch.”
Early Offense Sets the Tone
The Reds wasted no time putting runs on the board. Elly De La Cruz singled for his 100th hit of the season, stole second, and scored on Austin Hays’ single in the first inning, giving Cincinnati an early 1-0 lead. The momentum continued in the second when Spencer Steer crushed a solo home run, his 11th of the season, extending the lead to 2-0.
Steer’s homer energized the Reds, who then loaded the bases with no outs in the sixth inning. De La Cruz singled in a run, and a throwing error by Marlins right fielder Dane Myers allowed TJ Friedl to race home, pushing the lead to 4-0. Austin Hays followed with a two-run single, capping the inning’s scoring surge and putting the game out of reach.
Bullpen Closes the Door
After Lodolo’s exit, Cal Quantrill took the mound but struggled, allowing five earned runs over five-plus innings in his previous outing. This time, the Reds’ bullpen stepped up. Graham Ashcraft entered in the seventh and escaped a bases-loaded jam by inducing a double play, preserving the shutout bid. The bullpen combined to hold the Marlins scoreless over the final three innings, securing the Reds’ sixth shutout of the season.
Marlins’ Offensive Woes Continue
Miami’s offense was limited to just four hits and two errors, struggling to generate any sustained threat against Lodolo and the Reds’ bullpen. The Marlins managed to load the bases with one out in the seventh but were thwarted by Ashcraft’s clutch double play. Starter Cal Quantrill (3-8) took the loss, allowing five earned runs in 5⅓ innings.
Historical Context and Standings Impact
This win marked the Reds’ 30th consecutive series without being swept to open the season, their longest such streak since 1989. The victory improved Cincinnati’s record to 48-46, keeping them above .500 and in contention in the National League Central. Meanwhile, the Marlins fell to 40-52, continuing their struggles in a rebuilding year.
Baseball analyst Trevor Sikkema noted, “The Reds showed resilience and balance tonight. Lodolo’s pitching and timely hitting from Steer and De La Cruz were key factors in their win.”
What’s Next
The Reds will send right-hander Chase Burns (0-1, 8.10 ERA) to the mound Friday against the Colorado Rockies’ Germán Márquez (3-10, 5.84 ERA). The Marlins will start right-hander Edward Cabrera (3-3, 3.33 ERA) in Baltimore, aiming to bounce back.
Cincinnati’s 6-0 shutout over Miami was a comprehensive team effort highlighted by Nick Lodolo’s gem and clutch offensive contributions. The Reds’ ability to combine strong starting pitching with timely hitting and solid bullpen work underscored their status as a competitive force in the National League. As the season progresses, performances like this will be crucial in their push toward the postseason.
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