Max Meyer Dazzles with 14 Strikeouts as Marlins Defeat Reds 6-3
In an electrifying performance, Max Meyer struck out a career-high 14 batters over six scoreless innings, propelling the Miami Marlins to a 6-3 victory against the Cincinnati Reds on Monday night. The highlight of the game came when pinch-hitter Kyle Stowers launched a three-run homer in the seventh inning, sealing the win for Miami.
Meyer’s impressive outing included striking out the side in the sixth, earning him a standing ovation as he exited the mound. This marked the Marlins' first double-digit strikeout game since June 1 of last year. With this performance, Meyer improved his record to 2-2, allowing just five hits and issuing no walks, which lowered his ERA to an impressive 2.10. Previously, his highest strikeout count in a game was eight.
Jesús Tinoco came in to secure the win, recording three consecutive outs for his second save, as the Marlins celebrated their second consecutive victory following a five-game losing streak. On the other side, Reds pitcher Nick Lodolo (2-2) struggled, giving up three runs and seven hits over 5 2/3 innings.
In the second inning, Jesús Sánchez made his mark with a run-scoring single, marking his first RBI of the season, followed by Ronny Simon, who also contributed with a run-scoring single. The fifth inning saw Eric Wagaman hit his third home run of the season, a powerful 407-foot shot that just cleared the glove of leaping center fielder TJ Friedl.
Gavin Lux joined the home run party in the eighth inning, hitting a two-run blast off Tyler Phillips, further extending the Marlins' lead. Additionally, Agustín Ramírez and Simon celebrated their first major league hits in the second inning, with Ramírez getting an infield single and later scoring on Simon's single. Ramírez also showcased his speed, doubling after Stowers' homer and stealing third base for his first big league steal.
Meyer’s 14 strikeouts tied him for the third-most in Marlins history, trailing only Ricky Nolasco's 16 against Atlanta in 2009 and Liván Hernández's 15 in the 1997 NL Championship Series. Looking ahead, Miami's right-handed pitcher Edward Cabrera (0-1, 6.52 ERA), who started the season on the injured list due to a right middle finger blister, is set to make his third start of the season on Tuesday against Cincinnati's Nick Martinez (0-3, 6.00 ERA).
