Marte & Steer Power Reds Past Pirates in 14–8 Slugfest
Noelvi Marte and Spencer Steer fueled the Cincinnati Reds’ offense Sunday, leading them to a 14–8 victory over the Pittsburgh Pirates before 21,339 fans at PNC Park.
Marte and Steer each collected three hits, including a home run, and drove in four runs apiece. Their timely hitting kept the Reds ahead despite constant pressure from the Pirates, who had 21 baserunners in the game.
The Reds (62–57) maintained their position in the NL Wild Card race, closing the gap to just 1.5 games behind the struggling New York Mets, who lost again. The Milwaukee Brewers stayed 12 games ahead in the division with their ninth straight win.
Offensive Highlights
Cincinnati went 14-for-40 (.350) at the plate, walked six times, and hit .385 with runners in scoring position.
- 3rd inning: Elly De La Cruz drove in the first run, followed by Miguel Andujar’s 109 mph three-run homer to give Cincinnati a 4–0 lead.
- 6th inning: Marte’s ground-rule double broke a 4–4 tie, and Steer followed with a two-run double to make it 7–4.
- 8th inning: Marte singled before Steer’s two-run homer extended the lead to 9–5.
- 9th inning: Marte launched a 427-foot three-run homer to center, part of a five-run rally to seal the win.
Marte now has four doubles, a homer, and five RBI over his last two games, raising his average to .287 with an .837 OPS—both tops on the team.
Pitching Summary
Starter Zack Littell lasted 4 2/3 innings, allowing four runs before giving way to the bullpen. Scott Barlow (6–0) earned the win with key strikeouts in the fifth. The relief corps had shaky moments—Luis Mey issued three straight walks to force in a run, and a defensive error in the eighth allowed two more to score—but Graham Ashcraft and Cam Sanders held the lead.
Looking Ahead
The Reds begin a six-game homestand against the Philadelphia Phillies and Milwaukee Brewers. Cincinnati’s playoff hopes rest on keeping their offense hot—they’re 51–16 when scoring at least four runs, but just 11–41 when scoring three or fewer.
Next Game:
Philadelphia Phillies at Cincinnati Reds
Monday, Aug. 11 — 7:10 p.m. ET
Taijuan Walker (PHI, 4–5, 3.53 ERA) vs. Andrew Abbott (CIN, 8–2, 2.34 ERA)
