MIAMI (AP) — Rookie Hunter Greene won for the first time in nearly two months, allowing one hit in six scoreless innings to lead the Cincinnati Reds over the reeling Miami Marlins 3-1 on Monday night.
Albert Almora Jr. had three hits, including two doubles, in his first game off the injured list. Joey Votto walked twice and singled for the Reds, who won their third in a row as they began a four-city, 10-game trip.
Cincinnati outfielder Tommy Pham was in the original lineup, then removed and traded to Boston for a player to be named or cash.
“Tommy Pham, just a great guy on this team,” Reds manager David Bell said. “He handled everything great from Day 1 that he got here. I do believe he’s going to finish strong. I’m very happy for him from that standpoint.”
Miami has lost eight straight home games and 11 of 15 overall.
Greene (4-12) struck out eight and walked none. He had been 0-5 in eight starts since beating Arizona on June 6.
“I felt all my pitches were on. They all felt great,” Greene said. “When all those things come together, I’m not going to say easy, but it helps a lot.”
For Greene, facing the same opponent in consecutive starts is another step in his learning curve. Greene allowed two runs in 6 2/3 innings against Miami on July 26.
“Knowing how to approach a team when you just saw them or having to face two or three more times, that’s just the reality in the game,” Greene said.
Reiver Sanmartin, Ian Gibaut and Hunter Strickland finished the five-hitter. Strickland allowed pinch-hitter Nick Fortes’ two-out run-scoring single, then retired Jacob Stallings on a flyout for his seventh save in 10 chances.
Three batters reached against Greene, who topped 100 mph with six pitches and averaged 98.6 mph with his…