Miami Marlins playoff push intensifies as Javier Sanoja and Griffin Conine power past New York. Sandy Alcantara will take the ball on Sunday to secure a vital road series clinch.
The Miami Marlins get back-to-back wins against the New York Mets at Citi Field.
Following a 6-2 win on Saturday, the Marlins (57-55) advance to two games over .500 and one game behind the Philadelphia Phillies for the final National League Wild Card spot.
The Marlins wasted little time in getting the action going. Shortstop and leadoff hitter Otto Lopez reached first off a fielding error by shortstop Francis Lindor. Shortly after, catcher Liam Hicks drove the first-time All-Star home for the first run scored. The Mets had an opportunity to respond as right fielder Carson Benge singled and designated hitter Bo Bichette advanced to third.
However, first baseman Jared Young left them stranded and scoreless.
The Marlins kept the rally going to start the second inning. First baseman Kyle Stowers singled and right fielder Javier Sanoja followed with a two-run homer slugged to left field. The Marlins took an early 3-0 lead with no outs. Center fielder Esteury Ruiz singled, but reached second after righty Zac Thornton committed a throwing error. The rookie pitcher walked left fielder Heriberto Hernandez and Hicks, which loaded the bases.
Facing a two-out situation, second baseman Xavier Edwards could’ve added to the Marlins’ lead. However, a line out to right field left Ruiz, Hernandez, and Hicks stranded. The Mets would take advantage of the Marlins’ missed opportunity.
Second baseman Marcus Semien singled and left fielder Tyrone Taylor delivered a two-run homer. In the blink of an eye, the game was a one-run deficit.
In the fourth inning, Ruiz was hit by a pitch and got on first. Designated hitter Griffin Conine singled to center field and the speedy base-runner found himself at third for a second time in the game. Rather than being left stranded, Lopez hit a sacrifice fly to deliver home an additional run.
The Marlins scored a couple of more runs, including a solo homer by Conine, to remain in the win column.
Manager Clayton McCollough didn’t need to go deep in the bullpen. Righty Tyler Phillips had a strong outing: five innings, six hits and two earned runs allowed, including a homer, three strikeouts and no walks. John King and Lake Bacher closed the game with only one hit allowed.
"Pitching has been unbelieveable," Hicks told Stephen Storm of Marlin Radio Network postgame. "They've been good during that [12-game] losing streak, but we just couldn't string the hits together. Now, we're getting back to getting guys on base, stealing bases, taking our walks, and capitalizing when we get men in scoring position."
Former Cy Young winner Sandy Alcantara is set for a 19th career start against the Mets on Sunday early afternoon. The first pitch is scheduled for 1:40 p.m. Eastern Time and the Marlins could clinch the series.
