Introduction to the Game
The Miami Marlins secured a 6-2 win over the New York Mets on Friday night, thanks to a strong performance from Sandy Alcantara and a game-changing homer from Connor Norby. Alcantara pitched into the eighth inning, giving up two runs, while Norby’s pinch-hit homer capped off a six-run fifth inning for the Marlins.
The Game’s Turning Point
The Mets initially took the lead with Francisco Lindor’s game-starting homer and Pete Alonso’s RBI double in the first inning. However, Alcantara settled down after the rocky start, allowing six hits through the first three innings before retiring 10 straight. The 2022 NL Cy Young Award winner’s outing ended when Lindor walked to lead off the eighth.
Marlins’ Rally
The Marlins chased Mets starter Brandon Sproat during a six-run fifth that erased a 2-0 deficit. Heriberto Hernández hit a two-run triple and scored on Jakob Marsee’s RBI groundout. Xavier Edwards hit an RBI single, and Norby’s two-run, pinch-hit homer off reliever Gregory Soto capped the outburst. Edwards had three hits, and Otto López doubled and singled for the Marlins.
Late-Game Drama
Cade Gibson relieved Alcantara and got the first two outs in the eighth. Tyler Phillips closed with the four-out save after the Mets loaded the bases in the eighth. Lindor’s first-inning homer was his 11th leadoff blast of the season and 31st of his career. Sproat gave up four runs and five hits over 4 2/3 innings, marking his fourth career start since being called up from Triple-A on Sept. 7.
Key Moments and Stats
Key Moment
Phillips inherited the bases loaded when Soto reached on a fielder’s choice and Nimmo reached on a throwing error by second baseman Edwards, and Jeff McNeil worked a two-out walk. Pinch hitter Mark Vientos popped out to short left field to end New York’s threat.
Key Stat
Norby’s drive was the ninth pinch-hit homer by the Marlins this season.
Up Next
RHP Clay Holmes (11-8, 3.66 ERA) will start for the Mets on Saturday, while the Marlins will go with RHP Eury Pérez (7-5, 4.20).
Conclusion
The Marlins’ win over the Mets marked a significant shift in the standings, with the Mets dropping out of the third NL wild-card position. The Reds pulled into a tie with the Mets, holding the head-to-head tiebreaker. As the season progresses, these games will become increasingly crucial in determining the final standings.
FAQs
- Q: Who pitched for the Marlins and how many innings did he pitch?
A: Sandy Alcantara pitched for the Marlins, going into the eighth inning. - Q: Who homered for the Marlins, and what type of homer was it?
A: Connor Norby homered for the Marlins, and it was a pinch-hit homer. - Q: What is the current standing of the Mets in the NL wild-card position?
A: The Mets dropped out of the third NL wild-card position after the Marlins’ win and the Reds’ tie in the standings.
