Source: FanGraphs
The 2012 season cannot end soon enough for the Miami Marlins. Rumors continue to fill the air, with the most recent ones claiming that the Marlins' front office won't be shaken up, however manager Ozzie Guillen's job is not safe. Miami's struggles continued in a 3-2 loss to the New York Mets on Sunday afternoon.
Ricky Nolasco, who heading into the game was one of baseball's hottest pitchers with a 3-0 record and an ERA below two in his last few starts, got into some trouble early. With one out, Daniel Murphy doubled to center field, and David Wright, who's bat has been cold for most of the series, hit a two run homer to give the Mets an early 2-0 advantage.
Nolasco eventually settled in, and Miami was able to tie the game against Mets starter Chris Young after scoring twice in the fifth.
Rob Brantly and Gil Velazquez both singled to open the frame, and advanced on a sacrifice bunt off the bat of Nolasco. Bryan Petersen then hit a sacrifice fly that allowed Brantly to score, and after Gorkys Hernandez walked, Velazquez scored on catcher Kelly Shoppach's error, as he tried to throw out Hernandez who was trying to steal second base.
Nolasco ended up going seven innings, giving up five hits and two runs while walking two and striking out five.
Ramon Ramirez and Manny Acosta kept the Marlins off the board in the seventh and eighth, but Mike Dunn and Heath Bell did the same for the Marlins.
Bobby Parnell didn't allow the Marlins to score in the top of the ninth, however Ryan Webb got into some trouble late, and the Mets capitalized.
Scott Hariston began the inning with a single, and after Lucas Duda struck out, Andres Torres walked. Jordany Valdespin grounded into a fielder's choice, and after Webb intentionally walked Fred Lewis, Ruben Tejada singled to left which lead the Mets to a walk-off victory and a series sweep over the slumping Marlins.
Miami will look to bounce back on Tuesday, as the Marlins head to Atlanta to take on the Braves for three.