CINCINNATI (AP) — J.T. Realmuto hit a pair of two-run homers and a double on Saturday night, powering the Miami Marlins to their second straight victory, 5-4 over the slumping Cincinnati Reds.
Miami won for only the third time in eight games, getting its first back-to-back wins since the All-Star break.
Realmuto connected in the second and sixth innings off Robert Stephenson (0-3), who made his first start of the season after 13 relief appearances. It was the catcher’s second career multi-homer game — he also had one in 2015.
Nick Wittgren (3-1) relieved starter Chris O’Grady in the fifth and got the win. Scooter Gennett singled home a run in the eighth off Junichi Tazawa, cutting it to 5-4. A.J. Ramos pitched the ninth for his 19th save in 21 chances.
The Reds are having a horrific home stand, going 1-8 while getting out-homered 22-7. The 22 homers are the most allowed by a Reds club during a home stand of 10 games or fewer. Also, the Reds have matched another club record by allowing 69 runs during the home stand, which concludes Sunday.
Miami Marlins shortstop Miguel Rojas throws to first on a single by Cincinnati Reds’ Billy Hamilton during the first inning of a baseball game, Saturday, July 22, 2017, in Cincinnati. (AP Photo/Gary Landers)
http://www.limaohio.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/54/2017/07/web1_117668368-e9efe2bc0ec84efb9dc49c2d5c49402e.jpgMiami Marlins shortstop Miguel Rojas throws to first on a single by Cincinnati Reds’ Billy Hamilton during the first inning of a baseball game, Saturday, July 22, 2017, in Cincinnati. (AP Photo/Gary Landers)
Miami Marlins starting pitcher Chris O’Grady, left, is pulled by manager Don Mattingly, right, during the fifth inning of a baseball game against the Cincinnati Reds on Saturday, July 22, 2017, in Cincinnati. (AP Photo/Gary Landers)
http://www.limaohio.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/54/2017/07/web1_117668368-9c305b5d8dd84424a8655e9ce0b493aa.jpgMiami Marlins starting pitcher Chris O’Grady, left, is pulled by manager Don Mattingly, right, during the fifth inning of a baseball game against the Cincinnati Reds on Saturday, July 22, 2017, in Cincinnati. (AP Photo/Gary Landers)
Cincinnati Reds’ Zack Cozart slides into third base with a triple against the Miami Marlins during the fifth inning of a baseball game, Saturday, July 22, 2017, in Cincinnati. (AP Photo/Gary Landers)
http://www.limaohio.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/54/2017/07/web1_117668368-bc4bfb92709d4237b3fcde09592aed33.jpgCincinnati Reds’ Zack Cozart slides into third base with a triple against the Miami Marlins during the fifth inning of a baseball game, Saturday, July 22, 2017, in Cincinnati. (AP Photo/Gary Landers)