CINCINNATI -- A series win against the contending Reds might have been exactly what the Marlins needed to turn their season around. For the first time in the second half, they have recorded a win on back-to-back days.

After a late power surge fueled a come-from-behind 5-4 victory on Wednesday at Great American Ball Park, Miami has leapfrogged the Reds and is a half-game up on Chicago for the final National League Wild Card spot, after the Cubs lost on Wednesday night. The victory was reminiscent of so many of the Marlins' first-half wins as they try to find that identity again down the stretch.

“We had more energy,” catcher Jacob Stallings said. “Just kind of got back to being ourselves, and being the team that made us be so good in that first half.”

Adding to that identity were some of the newest Marlins, who put on a show that positions them well as they open a six-game homestand on Friday.

Josh Bell homered from the left side of the plate in the fourth to break a scoreless tie, and he belted a clutch three-run shot from the right side in the eighth to tie the game. That paved the way for Bryan De La Cruz’s go-ahead solo shot in the ninth on All-Star closer Alexis Díaz's first pitch.

Bell became the first player in Marlins history to homer from both sides of the plate in the same game. The first baseman has been a major boost to the team since he was acquired from the Guardians at the Trade Deadline. He has a 1.077 OPS in eight games with Miami, and he now has two multihit games with the club.

“Josh has been awesome," said manager Skip Schumaker, who was ejected along with Jorge Soler in the eighth inning after arguing a strikeout call. "Not only because of the production, and obviously the home runs, but the attention to detail in the hitters' meetings, what he does just talking with players on the defensive side on what he sees, and he's super engaged in the game, in the dugout. He's fit right in, really quick.”

In just over a week, Bell has already stood out as a vocal leader with the team. As the Marlins seemed to turn over a new leaf with the series win, there’s no question he’s contributed to that on and off the field.

“We've asked around ... and everybody said that this guy, 10 out of 10 character, hard worker, he gives you everything he's got, he's a winning player,” Schumaker said. “And once you hear 'winning player,' that's what we're trying to add here -- and the culture we're trying to create is a winning atmosphere, and that's why I think he blends in so well here.”

What makes a “winning player?”

“Doing the little things, clutch, brings it every day,” said Stallings, who was a teammate of Bell's for five seasons in Pittsburgh.

Bell isn’t the only recent acquisition helping Miami find ways to win. On Wednesday, four bullpen arms -- including two who were acquired in late July -- combined to allow one run over four innings in relief of Johnny Cueto, who pitched a strong five innings other than allowing two homers in the fourth.

Jorge López, acquired from the Twins on July 26, hasn’t had the best beginning to his Marlins career. He’s allowed at least one run in three of his five appearances for Miami, including Wednesday. But Stallings believes López has the stuff that will make him successful.

“I told Lopie after the game, 'Just keep doing what you're doing,' ‘cause his stuff looks really good right now,” Stallings said.

After a clean inning apiece from A.J. Puk and Tanner Scott, David Robertson came in to close it down in the ninth. He retired Tyler Stephenson and Nick Senzel swiftly on a groundout and flyout, respectively, before Stuart Fairchild reached on a line-drive single to bring Elly De La Cruz to the plate as the winning run.

Robertson worked to a 2-2 count against De La Cruz before sending the rookie down swinging at a knuckle curve at his ankles. Outings like that are exactly what the Marlins expected when they traded for the former Mets closer on July 28, and they’re exactly what will lead Miami to success as they try to stay in the Wild Card hunt.

“Dave, I mean, he's been doing it for I don't even know how many years,” Stallings said. “So it's nice to get out there and get a zero with him in a big spot, but just like Josh, [Robertson and López] fit right into the clubhouse.”