Max Meyer Dominates Cincinnati Reds with 14 Strikeouts... Consistently Inconsistent! NFL Draft Talk

On April 21, 2025, Max Meyer delivered a masterful performance, dominating the Cincinnati Reds in a 6-3 Miami Marlins victory at Great American Ball Park. The young right-hander showcased his electrifying arsenal, striking out 14 Reds batters over seven innings in a display of pure pitching dominance. Meyer’s fastball, touching the high 90s, and his devastating slider left Cincinnati’s lineup floundering, as they managed just four hits and two earned runs against him. His 14 strikeouts tied a Marlins franchise record for a single game, cementing his status as a rising star. The Reds, struggling to find offensive rhythm, couldn’t crack Meyer’s command. Key hitters like Elly De La Cruz and Jonathan India were repeatedly overpowered, with De La Cruz striking out three times. Cincinnati’s lone bright spot came in the sixth, when a solo home run briefly cut the deficit, but Meyer quickly regained control, retiring the side in order. The Marlins’ offense supported their ace, with timely hitting and a three-run fifth inning that exploited Reds starter Hunter Greene’s inconsistency. Defensively, Miami was crisp, while Cincinnati’s miscues, including a costly error, allowed the Marlins to extend their lead. The Reds’ bullpen faltered late, surrendering additional runs that put the game out of reach. Despite a late rally attempt, Cincinnati couldn’t overcome Meyer’s brilliance or their own offensive woes. This loss dropped the Reds further in the NL Central standings, highlighting their struggles against elite pitching. For Miami, Meyer’s gem was a statement, signaling their rotation’s potential to compete. Fans and analysts alike buzzed on platforms like X, praising Meyer’s poise and projecting his trajectory as a future ace. The game underscored a stark contrast: Miami’s upward momentum and Cincinnati’s need for offensive answers.