The Miami Marlins broke open a close game with a pair of late home runs, pulling away from the Cincinnati Reds for a 7-1 victory Sunday afternoon.
Miami entered the eighth inning in a scoreless game before Heriberto Hernández provided the breakthrough. With two outs, Hernández launched his team-leading 18th home run of the season to give the Marlins a 1-0 lead.
The Marlins added to their advantage after Agustín Ramírez reached on a throwing error by Reds shortstop Elly De La Cruz. Xavier Edwards followed with a single, and Javier Sanoja drew a walk to load the bases.
Griffin Conine then walked to force home Ramírez and make it 2-0. Reds catcher Jose Trevino challenged the call, but it was confirmed, allowing Miami to extend its lead.
Cincinnati finally got on the scoreboard when pinch-hitter Tyler Stephenson hit his 12th home run of the season, cutting the deficit to 2-1.
Miami answered emphatically in the ninth. Ramírez doubled, setting the stage for Sanoja, who crushed a three-run homer to push the Marlins’ lead to 5-1.
The Marlins added two more runs later in the inning to complete the 7-1 victory.
Eury Pérez delivered a strong start for Miami, pitching six innings while allowing just two hits. He walked five and struck out five. Reliever Josh Ekness earned the win, improving to 1-1 after tossing a 1-2-3 seventh inning.
Cincinnati starter Nick Lodolo pitched five innings, allowing three hits while striking out two and walking two. Reds reliever Tejay Antone (2-2) surrendered two hits and two runs, one of them earned.
The victory gave Miami a strong finish after neither team could generate much offense through the first seven innings.
Hernández’s go-ahead blast and Sanoja’s ninth-inning three-run shot ultimately provided the power the Marlins needed, while Pérez and the bullpen kept Cincinnati’s offense in check.
The Marlins begin a series against the Philadelphia Phillies on Monday. Miami right-hander Janson Junk (6-7, 4.41 ERA) is scheduled to face Philadelphia left-hander Cristopher Sánchez (15-4, 2.54 ERA).
The Reds return home Monday to open a series against the St. Louis Cardinals. Cincinnati right-hander Rhett Lowder (4-8, 5.15 ERA) is scheduled to start, while St. Louis has not yet announced its starter.
For Miami, Sunday’s win was a reminder that even a quiet offensive afternoon can quickly turn into a comfortable victory when the big hits arrive late.
