Marlins Dominate Reds with 5-1 Victory

Janson Junk showcased his pitching prowess, allowing just one hit over six innings, while Agustín Ramírez powered the Miami Marlins to a decisive 5-1 victory against the Cincinnati Reds in the first game of their four-game series on Monday night.

Spencer Steer managed a leadoff single in the fifth inning, marking the only hit off Junk, who has transitioned from long relief to starting pitcher for the fourth consecutive game.

Reliever Lake Bachar retired eight batters before leaving the game with two runners on base in the ninth. Anthony Bender then struck out Austin Hays on three pitches, securing his second save of the season.

Junk (3-1) had an impressive streak of 89 innings without a walk dating back to last season, the second-longest in the majors, until Hays drew a walk to start the second inning. Hays advanced to second on a passed ball and reached third on a wild pitch before Gavin Lux also walked.

Tyler Stephenson's sacrifice fly brought Hays home for an unearned run, giving the Reds a 1-0 lead despite not having a hit.

In the fifth, Xavier Edwards doubled off Reds starter Brady Singer and scored on Ramírez's double, leveling the score. Liam Hicks followed with a single that brought Ramírez home, putting Miami ahead 2-1.

Singer (7-7) allowed two runs over five innings; he previously defeated the Marlins 5-2 earlier this season.

Derek Hill added to Miami's lead with a groundout that drove in another run, and Javier Sanoja's sacrifice fly extended it to 4-1 in the sixth inning.

Ramírez then launched a 420-foot homer to left field off Lyon Richardson in the seventh, marking his 14th home run of the season and solidifying Miami's lead at 5-1.

The Marlins have now won 11 of their last 14 games, while the Reds have struggled, losing seven of their last 11.

Rain delayed the first pitch by an hour, but it did not dampen Miami's momentum. After allowing two walks, Junk retired nine consecutive batters before Steer's single and then continued with eight more outs.

Historically, Cincinnati has had the upper hand against Miami, winning 24 of their last 38 matchups since 2019 and leading the all-time series 135-105.

Looking ahead, Marlins right-hander Eury Pérez (1-2, 4.50 ERA) is set to start Tuesday against Reds right-hander Nick Martinez (6-8, 4.20).