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Smith, Realmuto lead the Fish to a 5-1 win over the Mets

Derek Dietrich adds a two-run homer to help power the Fish

By Andrew Meyer
MLB: Miami Marlins at New York Mets Noah K. Murray-USA TODAY Sports

In a rotating cast of characters, the Marlins staff ace is switched several times this season already. It was to be Dan Straily until he went down with an injury. Then, José Ureña was the starter on opening day. Then, Jarlin García crushed opponents April before losing his mojo and being sent (temporarily) to the pen. Next up: Caleb Smith?

Smith still needs to be more consistent to truly be thought of as the ace of this staff, but coming into the game with a K/9 of 12.02 you couldn’t help to be hopeful that he has the goods to develop into at least a solid number 3 starter in the majors.

Tonight, Smith tossed 6.2 innings of one run ball, while fanning 8 in a solid performance to hold the Mets at bay during the the duration of the left-hander’s start, while dropping his ERA to 3.83 for the season.

MLB: Miami Marlins at New York Mets Noah K. Murray-USA TODAY Sports

When Don Mattingly pulled his starter, he handed the ball over to Drew Streckenrider, Kyle Barraclough and Brad Ziegler who (gasp) shut down the Mets the rest of the way to give the Fish their first win of the year over their NL East rivals.

Meanwhile, the Marlins runs came in bunches tonight. In the second inning, singles by Miguel Rojas and J.T. Realmuto put Miami up 3-0.

The Mets came back after a double by the freshly signed Jose Bautista, who would come around to score on a sacrifice fly to bring the Mets to within two runs.

In the eighth, a two run shot to right field by Derek Dietrich scored Brian Anderson off of old friend A.J. Ramos.

This would put the Marlins up for good, 5-1, for the first win of the season over the Mets. Tomorrow night they will go for the series win in Queens.

fangraphs

King Fish: Caleb Smith

Flounder: Zack Wheeler

Turning Point: the J.T. Realmuto single to give the Fish a three run cushion

Attendance: 22,195

Please leave any Icthy picks in the comments below. Remember, we introduced a new grand prize for the contest this season!

Today's Lineups

MIAMI MARLINS NEW YORK METS
Martin Prado - 3B Brandon Nimmo - LF
J.T. Realmuto - C Asdrubal Cabrera - 2B
Justin Bour - 1B Wilmer Flores - 1B
Starlin Castro - 2B Michael Conforto - CF
Brian Anderson - RF Jay Bruce - RF
Derek Dietrich - LF Jose Reyes - 3B
Miguel Rojas - SS Tomas Nido - C
Lewis Brinson - CF Zack Wheeler - RHP
Caleb Smith - LHP Amed Rosario - SS

Probable Starters

Name Team IP ERA FIP K/9 fWAR
Name Team IP ERA FIP K/9 fWAR
Caleb Smith Marlins 42.2 4.22 3.29 12.02 0.9
Zack Wheeler Mets 38.0 5.92 4.60 9.00 0.2
FanGraphs

Matchup Summary

Weather permitting, Caleb Smith will face off against the disappointing Zack Wheeler. Can Smith get the first victory of the season for Miami over the Metropolitans? The offense will have to help as well as will (gulp) the bullpen.

Thread Question: How many strikeouts will Caleb Smith have tonight?

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