De La Cruz, Stephenson Power Reds to Dominant 2–0 Win Over Marlins
Cincinnati extends winning streak to four games with dominant pitching and timely hitting
MIAMI — The Cincinnati Reds continued their impressive run with a 2-0 victory over the Miami Marlins on Monday night, combining disciplined pitching with clutch offensive moments to secure their fourth straight win.
Elly De La Cruz played a key role at the plate, delivering two crucial hits, while Tyler Stephenson provided the highlight with a solo home run that strengthened Cincinnati’s grip on the game. The Reds’ pitching unit worked in perfect coordination, keeping the Marlins scoreless throughout the contest.
Left-hander Brandon Williamson led the charge with a composed outing, allowing just three hits over 6 2/3 innings. After a shaky season opener, he bounced back strongly, striking out four batters and conceding only one walk. He maintained control early on, not allowing a hit until the fourth inning.
Cincinnati broke the deadlock in the fourth inning when Sal Stewart drove in the opening run with a well-placed single, capitalizing on De La Cruz’s double. The Reds later added insurance in the eighth inning when Stephenson launched a leadoff homer over the left-field fence.
The bullpen ensured there were no late surprises, with Brock Burke, Tony Santillan, and Emilio Pagán closing out the game efficiently. Pagán secured his fourth save of the season to seal the shutout.
Miami starter Janson Junk delivered a solid performance despite the loss, pitching deep into the game while conceding two runs. However, the Marlins struggled offensively and failed to capitalize on limited opportunities.
With momentum on their side, the Reds will look to continue their winning streak in the next matchup, where Andrew Abbott is set to face Sandy Alcantara.
