Marlins’ Six-Game Winning Streak Comes to End

The Marlins used yet another inexperienced pitcher to start the game. In addition, the Marlins struggled to score runs and keep up with the Mets, as they also rested their important relievers. The loss brings the Marlins’ record to 7-2, still a game in front of Atlanta for the top spot in the NL East. The New York Mets, meanwhile, increase to 6-9 and hold fourth place in the division.

Game Recap

The Marlins didn’t hesitate a minute to put their strengths on display against Mets starter David Peterson. Brian Anderson hit an RBI single to drive in Jesus Aguilar in the top of the first inning for the first run of the game.

Their lead was, however, short-lived. In the second inning, Michael Conforto turned the game around with a two-run shot over the fence. Furthermore, Pete Alonso tripled the Mets advantage with a two-run homer of his own in the bottom of the third.

Miami DH Logan Forsythe, whom Michael Hill signed due to the shorthanded Marlins’ roster, got a run back with a solo homer in the fifth. Nevertheless, J.D. Davis continued his hot streak, driving in Amed Rosario with a sacrifice fly out. This prompted Don Mattingly to take Daniel Castano out of the game in his MLB debut after4-1/3 innings and four earned runs.

However, the fight within Mattingly’s team was still alive and well. The middle of the order loaded up the bases against Jeurys Familia. This provided Monte Harrison with the opportunity to drive in his first two career runs against Drew Smith, bringing Miami to within a run.

Davis’s seventh-inning three-run shot made that an almost impossible task. The Marlins put runners on first and second in the ninth but Justin Wilson was able to close out an 8-4 win for the Mets, impressive for everyone not named Familia or Smith.

Win: David Peterson (2-1, 3.78 ERA)

Loss: Daniel Castano (0-1, 8.31 ERA)

Notes

Another debut… and a record: Daniel Castano made his major-league debut, starting on the mound during Saturday’s loss. The Orlando native went 4.1 innings, surrendering five hits, five runs, while also walking one and striking out four.

With Castano and Humberto Mejia debuting in consecutive days, and Josh A. Smith making a “bullpen game” start in Baltimore, the Marlins have started nine different pitchers in their first nine games of the campaign. That’s a new Major League Baseball record.

The problem leading off: Lead-off batter Jonathan Villar has had a very disappointing start for a hitter with expectations to reach base consistently. The former Oriole has gone 8-for-36, with a .275 on-base percentage and .608 OPS. The absence of either a consistent hitter and high-OBP hitter, with Miguel Rojas currently out, could prove problematic.

Anderson keeps it up: Brian Anderson was nothing short of sensational at the plate for the better part of the Marlins-Orioles series at Camden Yards. He carried that form right into Citi Field, especially on Saturday, recording two hits, an RBI, and two punchouts, while batting fifth. The third baseman is .300/.400/.567 for the campaign, accompanied by nine RBI, a homer, and a triple.

Acquisitions pay off (for the most part): James Hoyt and Pat Venditte, brought in after the COVID-19 outbreak struck the Marlins, both tossed a scoreless inning during the game. Moreover, Logan Forsythe was responsible for the only Marlins home run of the night, going 1-for-2 with two walks.

On the other hand, Brian Moran and Josh A. Smith allowed three runs in two innings combined on the mound.

Harrison is here?: Monte Harrison had his best game since getting the call up to the majors. Miami’s No. 9 prospect went 1-for-2, driving in two runs in the sixth, and also drawing two walks.

Next up

The Mets host the Marlins on Sunday at 1:10 pm Eastern time in the series finale before Miami heads to Buffalo to face the Blue Jays. Pablo Lopez will make his second start of the year, with Jacob DeGrom taking the mound for New York.

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