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Dominant deGrom sets career high; Marlins’ rally falls short

The Fish go 2-5 on their season-opening homestand, but continue to make superior teams sweat with late-inning rallies.

By Alex Krutchik
MLB: New York Mets at Miami Marlins Sam Navarro-USA TODAY Sports

MIAMI, Fla.—What do you do when Jacob deGrom maxes out his fastball at 98.8 MPH and mixes in changeups averaging 88.9 MPH? You strike out 14 times. Despite the Miami Marlins’ offense out-performing expectations in a small sample size so far this season, they couldn't get anything going against deGrom, who led the Mets to a 6-4 win Wednesday night.

deGrom pitched a seven shutout innings and set a career record with those 14 Ks. One night removed from having runners in scoring position in every inning, the Fish only got one man in scoring position through eight innings.

Starting pitcher Trevor Richards struggled early. Amed Rosario opened the scoring in the second inning with an RBI triple. Things got away from Richards even more in the third. deGrom gave himself some help with a solo home run to start the inning.

Richards then walked Brandon Nimmo, and proceeded to allow an RBI double. But Richards kept his composure and retired the next eight batters he faced. After the troublesome third inning, he only gave up one hit. He also collected seven strikeouts.

Nick Anderson gave up a run in relief of Richards.

The Marlins got into more trouble in the eighth when a fielding error by Miguel Rojas at SS allowed J.D. Davis to reach base and eventually score. Later in the inning, Dominic Smith hit a grounder right off the lip of the infield dirt, causing it to bounce over Starlin Castro in shallow left field.

All hope seemed lost going into the bottom of the ninth, down 6-0. But for the third time in this series, the Marlins made things interesting late in the game.

With runners on first and second, Martín Prado hit an RBI double for Miami’s first run of the game. (He’s very quietly slashing .500/.529/.625 in a part-time role.) Lewis Brinson, Miguel Rojas, and Rosell Herrera also drove in runs. With two out and a runner on first, former Met Curtis Granderson represented the tying run. But just like last night, the Fish came up just short. Granderson flied out to left field, finally sealing the series sweep.

The Marlins have their first off day of the season on Thursday before traveling to Atlanta. Pablo López will make his second start of 2019. He pitched decently last Saturday, giving up 3 ER in 5.1 IP.

Mets vs. Marlins box score (MLB.com)

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