Janson Junk takes the mound as the Miami Marlins fights to snap a winless streak at Citi Field and narrow the Wild Card gap against a shifting Mets rotation.
MIAMI, Fla. – The Miami Marlins are still searching for a win against the New York Mets at Citi Field this season.
Interestingly enough, neither team has a game against one another at their respective home ballparks this season. The Marlins swept the Mets at home back in May but were also swept in New York at the end of the month.
Despite entering the bottom of the eighth with a tied scoreboard, the bullpen failed to limit further damage. Michael Peterson posted two outs, but Bo Bichette and Cason Benge got on base, then Luis Robert Jr. delivered a two-run batted-in single, which would solidify the 4-2 victory.
Another day of baseball means another opportunity. The Marlins are 2.5 games behind the final National League Wild Card spot.
Probable Pitchers
For the visitors, Janson Junk is listed as the probable starter for Friday night’s game. He’s produced a 4.89 ERA and a 4-6 record in 73.2 innings (14 starts). In the previous five starts, Junk has had two games of giving up at least five earned runs (Atlanta Braves and Houson Astros).
The 30-year-old throws a four-seamer the most of six pitches – 35.6 percent. It’s accounted for 27 of Junk’s 57 total strikeouts this season. Also, he goes to a slider (21.3 percent), changeup (18.8 percent), and sweeper (13.7 percent).
Meanwhile, the Mets don’t have anyone listed as a probable pitcher.
According to SNY, Freddy Peralta will not start, given the intensified trade interest around him. The nine-year major leaguer has produced a 4.99 ERA and a 5-9 record in 113.2 innings (22 starts).
Christian Scott and Sean Manaea both pitched six innings in the doubleheader against the Braves on Wednesday. Zac Thornton won’t be fully rested to take the mound until Saturday’s game against the Marlins. Clay Holmes is still on the 60-day injured list with a fractured right fibula.
Game Notes
Both the Mets and Marlins committed only one error in Friday night’s game. However, it affected one clubhouse more than the other. Third baseman Graham Pauley’s fielding error in the sixth inning gave the Mets the first go-ahead run scored. The Mets and Marlins are among the league’s below-average fielders and at the top of errors committed.
The rest of the series could come down to who makes fewer mistakes.
Although the Marlins haven’t found much success on the road – 21-32 on the season – another flip of script is needed to climb the National League standings and regain playoff momentum.
How to Watch and First Pitch
The game will start at 7:10 p.m. Eastern Time, pending any weather delays, and be televised on Marlins.TV and WPIX.
