Rece Hinds, Reds Strive for Series Win Over Marlins
Rece Hinds is having one of the most electric starts in major league history. The rookie right-fielder for the Cincinnati Reds is looking to keep the momentum going in the finale of a three-game series against the visiting Miami Marlins on Sunday.
Rece Hinds’ Remarkable Start
Hinds has been on fire since being called up from Triple-A Louisville on Monday, smashing five home runs in his first six games. The 23-year-old has racked up nine extra-base hits, setting a new benchmark for any player in their first six major league games.
“It’s amazing to watch,” Reds manager David Bell said. “Any athlete, or any baseball player, it’s just that locked in, into the zone and not really thinking. It’s almost like no thought and just playing the game and reacting to every situation, and seeing the ball and just using his natural ability.”
Pitching Matchup: Rogers vs. Lodolo
Sunday’s game will feature a showdown between two talented left-handers: Trevor Rogers for the Marlins and Nick Lodolo for the Reds. Both pitchers were high draft picks with big expectations, but their careers have taken different paths.
Trevor Rogers’ Challenges and Potential
Rogers (1-9, 4.82 ERA), the 13th overall pick in the 2017 MLB Draft, has had an up-and-down career with the Marlins. Despite his struggles, he has shown flashes of brilliance, including a runner-up finish for the 2021 NL Rookie of the Year to Reds infielder Jonathan India. This season, Rogers is 0-3 in his past nine starts, but his 4.00 ERA in those games suggests he has been better than his record indicates.
In his latest outing, Rogers allowed two runs and six hits in 5 1/3 innings against the Houston Astros but did not factor into the decision in a 4-3 loss.
Nick Lodolo’s Success and Return
Lodolo (8-3, 3.30 ERA), drafted seventh overall in 2019, has been having a stellar season, going 4-1 with a 2.73 ERA in June. After coming back from the injured list due to a blister on his pitching hand, Lodolo gave up four runs and five hits in 3 2/3 innings in a 12-6 win over the Colorado Rockies last Tuesday.
Previous Matchup and Insights
The last time these pitchers faced off was on July 25, 2022, in Cincinnati. Rogers had a rough outing, giving up six runs and eight hits in 3 2/3 innings in an 11-2 loss, while Lodolo was lights out, not allowing an earned run over six innings and striking out nine.
Key Players for the Marlins
Jake Burger has been a standout for the Marlins, delivering four hits, including a solo home run, and matching a season-high four RBIs on Saturday. Additionally, Jazz Chisholm Jr. moved from center field to second base late in the game, his first time playing the infield position since 2022.
“Trying to keep his bat in the lineup every day,” Marlins manager Skip Schumaker said. “Also trying to keep him playing every day for 160-plus games, which he’s never done. So trying to get him DH days. Maybe second base is a way to get him off his feet a little bit. Because I think he could play that in his sleep.”
Conclusion
As Rece Hinds continues his historic start, the Reds aim to clinch the series win against the Marlins. With Rogers and Lodolo facing off again, fans can expect an exciting game filled with talent and potential. Both teams are making strategic moves to optimize their lineups, promising a thrilling conclusion to the series.