The Cincinnati Reds and the Miami Marlins have had their fair share of battles on the baseball diamond. These two teams bring energy, surprises, and some good old-fashioned drama every time they meet. Whether you’re a Reds or Marlins fan—or just enjoy the game—you’ll love diving into their history and stats.
This rivalry may not be as famous as Yankees vs. Red Sox, but it’s definitely enjoyable. Let’s keep it fun and explore their head-to-head (H2H) stats, most memorable games, and how they stack up today.
Overall Head-to-Head Stats
As of the 2023 MLB season, the Reds and Marlins have faced each other 160+ times. The results have been pretty close. Here’s a basic breakdown:
- Cincinnati Reds Wins: 85+
- Miami Marlins Wins: 75+
The Reds have a slight edge. But don’t let that fool you. The Marlins have had their moments too—big ones!
Breaking It Down by Decade
In the 2000s:
- The Marlins were riding high. Remember, they won the World Series in 2003!
- They often gave the Reds a tough time throughout the early years.
In the 2010s:
- The series evened out.
- Both teams had rebuilding years.
- The Reds had some great players, like Joey Votto shining through.
In the 2020s:
- The games have been close, with a few going into extra innings.
- Both teams are filled with rising stars and young talent, keeping games exciting.
Top Players Who Made an Impact
Some players have left their mark on this H2H rivalry.
For the Reds:
- Joey Votto – A consistent hitter and team legend.
- Johnny Cueto – Delivered many dominant pitching performances vs the Marlins.
For the Marlins:
- Giancarlo Stanton – His powerful homers have crushed Reds pitching over the years.
- José Fernández – A brilliant pitcher whose performances were unforgettable.
Most Memorable Games
Here are a few games that fans still talk about:
- April 2014: An extra-innings thriller in Miami. The Reds won 8-7 with a walk-off error. Wild!
- July 2017: Marlins crushed the Reds 15-9. It was a home-run fest.
- May 2022: A rain-delayed game that went nearly 6 hours. The Reds squeaked by 2-1.
These kinds of games are what make this matchup so entertaining—even if you’re not cheering for either team.
Ballparks and Fan Experience
When these two teams meet, the stadiums are alive.
Great American Ball Park (Reds):
- Located in downtown Cincinnati.
- Famous for its river views and fireworks after home runs.
LoanDepot Park (Marlins):
- In the heart of Miami.
- Domed stadium with a modern look and feel.
Whether it’s chili dogs in Cincinnati or Cuban sandwiches in Miami, the fan experience adds flavor to every game.
Recent Results
In their 2023 meetings, the Reds and Marlins split most series.
- The Reds had solid pitching in two shutout wins.
- The Marlins came back strong in late innings for key victories.
It was a back-and-forth affair, showing how evenly matched they are in today’s MLB.
What to Expect in the Future
Both teams are rebuilding with lots of young talent. Expect exciting games, close contests, and new stars emerging.
- The Reds are investing in pitching and infield depth.
- The Marlins continue to scout international talent and develop strong arms.
If you’re not following this rivalry yet, now’s the time. It might not have the biggest spotlight, but it’s full of heart, hustle, and great baseball moments.
So grab your peanuts and popcorn. Because every Reds vs. Marlins game could be a classic in the making!