Marlins Break Out the Bats, Salvage Series Finale Against Cubs

MIAMI — The Miami Marlins needed a response Sunday, and they delivered one in emphatic fashion in front of Josh Beckett, who was honored before the game.

After losing the first two games of their weekend series with the Chicago Cubs, Miami erupted for a 10-3 win at loanDepot park, avoiding a sweep and returning to the .500 mark at 72-72.

The Marlins did not have the easiest start to the afternoon. Chicago stayed within striking distance early, and the game was tied 3-3 before Miami finally found the breakthrough it needed.

The Marlins turned the fifth inning into a turning point, stringing together productive at-bats and putting sustained pressure on the Cubs’ pitching.

What had been a competitive game suddenly became a comfortable Miami lead. Javier Sanoja supplied a major spark with a two-run homer, while Heriberto Hernández added a solo shot as the Marlins’ offense continued to pile on.

Miami’s lineup consistently found ways to keep innings alive, turning baserunners into runs and forcing Chicago to work from behind.

The pitching staff did its part, as well. Starter Tyler Phillips gave Miami five innings and earned the win, allowing the Marlins to hand the game over to the bullpen with a sizable cushion. Chicago never seriously threatened to erase the deficit after Miami’s big fifth inning.

The Cubs did produce one notable moment of their own. Star Pete Crow-Armstrong launched his 40th home run of the season in what has been a remarkable season for him. 

For the Marlins, the victory was about more than the final score.

It stopped a three-game losing streak and prevented what could have been a frustrating sweep at a critical point in the season. Miami remains four games behind the final National League Wild Card spot, meaning there is still ground to make up as the regular season dwindles.

There will be no long break to enjoy the victory. Miami immediately turns its attention to the New York Mets, beginning a new series Monday with a special 1:10 p.m. ET first pitch.

The Marlins will host the Mets for three games before the Los Angeles Dodgers and Shohei Ohtani come to Miami for a three-game series Sept. 11-13.

All in all, Clayton McCullough’s bunch remains on the outside of the playoff picture, but it is not out of the conversation. Sunday’s offensive explosion gave the team a much-needed boost and kept its postseason hopes alive.

Now, it has to build on it, one game at a time.