The Miami Marlins hope to continue their flair for the dramatic on Monday evening when they open a three-game series against the visiting New York Mets, a team that has enjoyed no such late-game fireworks so far.
The Marlins opened with three wins in four one-run games against the Pittsburgh Pirates, walking off all three victories — two in the ninth inning and one in the 12th.
Derek Hill was the hero in Sunday’s 3-2 win. He needed only the help of Pirates’ miscues to produce the game-ending run on an infield single and a stolen base, coupled with a Pittsburgh throwing error and wild pitch.
Miami’s other two wins were by 5-4 scores, sandwiching a 4-3 defeat.
“We’re trying to show the world we’re no pushovers,” Hill said while being doused with water shortly after scoring Sunday’s winning run. “(This series was a) really good confidence boost.
“We got a lot to prove; a lot of guys don’t have a lot of time up here. That doesn’t mean we’re not hungry. That doesn’t mean we’re not going to put pressure on people. (We want) to show the whole league that we’re here to play.”
The traveling Mets had a rare in-season Sunday off, hoping their bats will awaken after losing two of three in Houston. The series featured just 11 total runs, six by the Astros, and only one by the Mets after the sixth inning.
The Mets’ losses were by 3-1 and 2-1 counts despite newcomer Juan Soto getting three hits, including a double and a home run, and drawing four walks.
Pete Alonso, who came up six times in the series with Soto aboard, went just 1-for-9 with three walks and two strikeouts.
Francisco Lindor, hitting in front of Soto, was even less productive by going 0-for-11 with three strikeouts.
Lindor, who went hitless in his first 24 at-bats last season, shouldered the blame afterward.
“I have got to do a way better job to be on base and to make things happen,” he said. “Once I do that, I think the offense is going to continue to get better. I feel like guys had quality at-bats the entire weekend.”
Two pitchers who had successful springs will attempt to carry their momentum into the regular season when the Mets send left-hander David Peterson (10-3, 2.90 ERA in 2024) against Marlins righty Cal Quantrill (8-11, 4.98).
Peterson pitched to an 0.57 ERA in four spring games, winning two of three decisions. The 29-year-old has a 4-2 record and 2.80 ERA in nine career outings against the Marlins, eight of which have been starts.
Quantrill is scheduled to make his Marlins regular-season debut after a 3-0 spring in four starts. The 30-year-old, who was employed by the Colorado Rockies last year, has yet to get a decision in two career starts against the Mets, pitching to a 4.50 ERA.
–Field Level Media
