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Sixto Sanchez Seeks Redemption as Marlins Face D-backs
Introduction
Highly anticipated rookie right-hander Sixto Sanchez is set to join the Miami Marlins’ impressive lineup of shutout pitchers on Saturday night as he faces the Arizona Diamondbacks for the first time in his career. Miami pitchers have been on fire, throwing five shutouts in their last nine games, including a four-hit gem by left-hander Braxton Garrett in Friday night’s series-opening 3-0 win over Arizona.
Marlins’ Recent Shutout Streak
Pitching Dominance
The Marlins’ pitching staff has been downright heavenly, piling up five shutouts in their last nine games. This streak features the profundity and ability inside their turn, establishing a cutthroat yet strong climate among the pitchers.
Team Dynamics
“I think they feed off each other,” Marlins manager Skip Schumaker said. “It’s a team game, but they all compete against each other. They’re all friends, they watch each other’s bullpens. (But) there’s always competition, friendly competition.”
Sixto Sanchez’s Challenges and Opportunities
Rookie Profile
Sanchez (0-2, 6.41 Period) was promoted as the group’s top possibility by MLB.com in both 2018 and 2021, yet shoulder issues saved him off the field for the beyond three seasons. Making his 6th beginning of the time on Saturday in Phoenix, Sanchez has shown looks at his true capacity notwithstanding battling with slow beginnings.
First Inning Struggles
Sanchez is coming off a 7-3 loss to the New York Mets on Sunday, where he gave up four runs in the first inning, raising his first-inning ERA to 10.50 for his career. However, he bounced back to shut out the Mets over the next three innings before handing the game over to the bullpen.
Manager’s Expectations
Schumaker was blunt about Sanchez’s first-inning struggles, calling them “unacceptable.” “If he wants to start at this level, he’s going to have to be better in the first inning. It’s just what it is,” Schumaker emphasized.
Catcher’s Insight
“I’ve seen what everybody’s seeing,” catcher Christian Bethancourt said. “Gets in trouble in the first inning, and then he pitches like Pedro Martinez.”
Inspiration from Teammates
Sanchez can take inspiration from teammate Braxton Garrett, who carried a 10.24 ERA into his start on Friday night before holding the Diamondbacks to four singles. Garrett needed just 95 pitches (71 for strikes) to outduel Zac Gallen and secure his first career shutout.
Arizona Diamondbacks’ Recent Performance
Previous Series Highlights
The Diamondbacks recently came off their first series victory over the Los Angeles Dodgers at Dodger Stadium since April 2018, highlighted by a 6-0 victory in Wednesday night’s rubber match.
Manager’s Hopes
Diamondbacks manager Torey Lovullo hoped the series win over the Dodgers would spark his team to overcome their slow start. Instead, the defending National League champs fell three games below .500, and second baseman Ketel Marte saw his 21-game hitting streak come to an end.
Post-Off Day Struggles
Blame it on the day off before Friday’s contest. Arizona is now 1-6 this season following a day off. “We haven’t really been sparkling after off days, and we have to figure that out,” Lovullo said. “We have more off days this year.”
Pitching Matchup: Montgomery vs. Sanchez
Jordan Montgomery’s Track Record
Left-hander Jordan Montgomery (2-2, 4.98 ERA) will try to get Arizona back on track. Montgomery is 1-0 with a 2.12 ERA in three career starts against the Marlins.
Recent Performance
Montgomery gave up four runs on five hits over six innings in his most recent start, a 6-4 win over the Detroit Tigers on Sunday. He walked two and struck out three.
Conclusion
As Sixto Sanchez hopes to defeat his first-inning troubles and secure his position in the Marlins’ revolution, the matchup against the Diamondbacks presents a once in a lifetime chance. In the mean time, Arizona is anxious to return and track down consistency after ongoing battles. The stage is set for a fascinating duel between two decided pitchers, each with something to demonstrate.
