MIA 8, NYM 4; Marlins start anew with strong win over the Mets

The Marlins could not have started their second half of the season any better than Friday’s game. The Fish were in the drivers seat for most of their 8-4 victory over the Mets. Caleb Smith pitched well, and only had trouble with location. Miami’s offense held strong, producing 8 runs from the top half of the lineup.

Caleb Smith: 6 IP, 3 H, 2 R, 0 ER, 5 BB, 6 K, 0 HR

Jason Vargas: 5 IP, 5 H, 6 R, 6 ER, 1 BB, 1 K, 2 HR

The Fish were only behind at one point in the game and that came in the third inning. The Mets jumped on Smith quickly with three singles. The real thing that hurt Smith the most was the back to back walks he gave up. The Mets were able to score two runs that inning. Smith was ahead in multiple counts when the hits and walks came.

That was the last time Smith ran into any serious trouble. He had six strikeouts which included Home Run Derby Champion Pete Alonso, twice.

The Fish came out swinging and they did it together. Jorge Alfaro led the charge with a line drive into center. Alfaro then stole second base and Smith singled him to third base. Miguel Rojas got the first run on the board with a sacrifice fly. Curtis Granderson then waited as Vargas threw to first base 6 times, trying to keep Smith on the bag. Granderson made the wait worth it with a two-run blast into the seats.

Garrett Cooper continued his hot streak with a solo shot for good measure. The four runs was a good start, but the Fish had a few more waiting.

Ex-Met Granderson started the sixth inning with a walk. Cooper then doubled Granderson home. Brian Anderson added some pop to the inning with a two-run home run to right field. With the score now being 7-2 the Fish would cruise to the end.

The Fish would score one more run off of a Starlin Castro triple. The Mets did put up some fight at the end. Adam Conley gave up a two-run home run to Todd Frazier, to make it 8-4. He then struck out the next two and got Tomas Nido to fly out, ending the game. The Fish played a good game of cohesive baseball. Starting off on the right foot will be key to getting out of last place before the season is over.

Zac Gallen will be on the mound against Noah Syndergaard today. First pitch is 6:10 ET.

Marlins vs Mets box score (MLB.com)

Fish Picks answer key

1. Mets
2. Under
3. Over
4. Yes
5. Marlins