Reds 11 - Phillies 5 (7/8/2026): Marte Powers Reds With 4 RBIs

On a scorching summer evening at Great American Ball Park, the Cincinnati Reds handed the Philadelphia Phillies an 11-5 defeat. The Reds improved their season record to 41-49, while the Phillies, holding second place in the NL East, fell to 51-41. It was a game that saw the home team assert their dominance in front of a boisterous crowd, despite the sweltering 100-degree heat.

Offensive Fireworks in Cincinnati

The Reds found their rhythm in the third inning, scoring two runs to tie the game after the Phillies had taken an early lead in the second. Cincinnati’s offense exploded in the fourth inning, putting five runs on the board to take a commanding lead. Elly De La Cruz, Spencer Steer, and Noelvi Marte were instrumental, each contributing significant hits that sparked the rally.

In the sixth inning, the Reds continued to pile on, adding four more runs to their tally. Elly De La Cruz capped off his stellar performance with a home run, showcasing his power and speed on the bases. The Reds tallied 11 hits in total, with Marte and De La Cruz each recording a home run, while Stewart added two homers of his own.

Phillies' Struggles on the Mound

Alan Rangel took the loss for the Phillies, struggling through 3.1 innings, giving up three runs on three hits while striking out five. The Reds took advantage of the Phillies' bullpen, particularly against T.J. Banks, who gave up four runs in just a third of an inning. Jose Alvarado also faced difficulties, allowing four runs in his single inning of work.

Despite the loss, Kyle Schwarber provided a highlight for Philadelphia with a solo homer, while J.T. Realmuto also hit a home run to contribute to the Phillies' total. Brandon Marsh and J.P. Crawford each contributed with timely hits, but it wasn’t enough to overcome the deficit.

Pitching and Defensive Highlights

Chase Burns picked up his tenth win of the season, pitching five innings and giving up three runs on three hits. Burns managed the game effectively despite issuing six walks, striking out two in his effort. The Reds’ bullpen did its part to maintain the lead, with Ben Burke, Caleb Ferguson, and Rhett Lowder combining to finish the game.

Defensively, both teams were clean, with no errors recorded during the game. The Reds’ outfield was particularly sharp, with several key plays preventing additional runs from scoring. This defensive stability gave the Reds the confidence to focus on their offensive surge.

For the Phillies, interim manager Don Mattingly will need to reassess his bullpen strategy as they continue their road trip. With Kevin Long as the hitting coach, Philadelphia will be looking to fine-tune their approach at the plate to capitalize on scoring opportunities.

The loss leaves the Phillies 2 games back in the NL East, while the Reds remain fifth in the NL Central, trailing by 16 games. As the series continues, the Reds will hope to build on this momentum in their upcoming games against the Phillies and further into their homestand.

The two teams will meet again at Great American Ball Park on Thursday, with the Phillies aiming to bounce back and even the series. As the teams gear up for another showdown, fans can expect more fireworks, both at the plate and from the mound.

The Reds will continue to rely on their young talent, with De La Cruz and Marte being pivotal figures in their lineup. Meanwhile, the Phillies will look to stabilize their pitching staff and find more consistency as they push towards securing a playoff berth.