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Marlins, Outspent but Not Overmatched, Seek Sweep of Mets
Marlins vs. Mets: A David and Goliath Tale
The Miami Marlins, despite having one of the smallest payrolls in the majors, are riding a hot streak with four consecutive wins. On the flip side, the New York Mets, who boast the highest payroll, are struggling with seven losses in their past nine games. This Sunday afternoon in Miami, the Marlins will try to complete a three-game sweep against the Mets, who are also their rivals for the worst record in the National League East.
Marlins’ Winning Streak
During this impressive streak, the Marlins have shown they can win in various ways. They started with three shutouts and then pulled off a dramatic 10-9 victory in 10 innings on Saturday. Down 9-5 in the ninth inning, Miami rallied to score four runs off struggling Mets closer Edwin Diaz. Diaz’s ERA has jumped from 2.13 to 5.50 due to three blown saves in the past two weeks.
Marlins manager Skip Schumaker had high praise for his team’s resilience.
“Our guys don’t stop believing,” he said. “I know it sounds cliché, but it’s true. When you see Diaz come in and still believe you have a chance, it says a lot about our clubhouse.”
Schumaker also admitted to making some managerial mistakes during the game.
“Good players cover a manager’s mistakes,” he said. “I was late going to the bullpen a few times. I managed that game terribly, but we won, and that overshadowed things.”
Team Records and Recent Performance
Even with their recent success, the Marlins still have the worst record in the National League at 15-32, while the Mets stand at 20-25. However, these numbers don’t tell the full story. The Mets started the season strong with a 12-8 record but have since fallen into a severe slump, going 8-17.
Diaz’s struggles are just a symptom of the Mets’ larger issues.
“I won’t lie,” Diaz said. “My confidence is down. I’m throwing strikes and trying to help the team win, but right now, I’m just not delivering.”
Key Players and Performances
On Saturday, Miami’s Jazz Chisholm Jr. and Josh Bell both had standout performances, going 3-for-5 at the plate. Bell racked up four RBIs, while Chisholm added three. Marlins second baseman Otto Lopez, who stepped in after Luis Arraez was traded to the San Diego Padres, delivered the game-winning hit.
“My confidence is at 100,” said Lopez, who had only 10 MLB at-bats before this season. “I’ve worked hard to get to this point in my career.”
Sunday’s Pitching Matchup
Sunday’s game will feature Mets left-hander Sean Manaea (2-1, 3.05 ERA) against Marlins right-hander Sixto Sanchez (0-1, 5.96 ERA). Manaea has made two career starts against the Marlins, with a 0-1 record and a 5.40 ERA. The Mets are 5-3 when Manaea starts this year, and both of his outings this month have been quality starts.
Sanchez, who has never faced the Mets, is still young at 25. He showed promise in 2020 with a 3-2 record and a 3.46 ERA in seven starts but has been hampered by injuries over the past three years. This season, the Marlins are just 2-9 in his 11 appearances, with his longest outing being 4 2/3 innings in a 6-5 loss to the Detroit Tigers.
Conclusion
The final game between the Marlins and Mets is set to be an intriguing matchup. The underdog Marlins, known for their resilience and dramatic comebacks, are aiming to sweep the high-spending Mets, who have been struggling, especially in closing games. As both teams fight for a crucial win, fans can expect a thrilling and unpredictable game.
