Marlins bust out bats in series finale vs. Dodgers

The Marlins used a 13-run, 13-hit offensive barrage to surge past the Los Angeles Dodgers in Thursday’s series finale, 13-7. Miami notched its first victory in 2019 against the Dodgers in the sixth and final head-to-head opportunity (1-5).

Walker Buehler was facing Miami for the second time this season, notching seven shutout innings with 11 strikeouts July 21 at Dodger Stadium, but Thursday saw the Marlins get to Buehler early and often. Brian Anderson—who closed the contest 3-for-4 with 3 RBI—singled off the right-hander in the first, driving home Jon Berti.

Left-hander Caleb Smith quieted a red-hot Dodger lineup, tossing five innings, with the only hit surrendered being a Kyle Garlick solo home run in the fifth.

There was another L.A. scoring chance with two outs in the fourth. Corey Seager hit a soft fly ball to center that would’ve brought home the runner from second base if not for Lewis Brinson’s athletic catch.

Miami was able to spray hits all across the field, producing a six-run fifth inning and a five-run sixth. The first seven hitters reached safely in the bottom of the fifth. Starlin Castro, finishing 2-for-4, smacked an RBI single to center, scoring Anderson, extending Miami’s lead to 5-1. Jorge Alfaro had a productive day at the plate, finishing 3-for-4, while driving in three runners.

The Dodgers totaled four home runs Thursday, including a Cody Bellinger three-run tater in the seventh off Austin Brice, becoming the first player in the league to reach 40 homers on the year.

Brice continues to struggle since his return from a forearm strain.

Adam Conley sealed the victory in a tough ninth, after loading the bases with two down, allowing two walks.

The Marlins, at 45-75, will begin a challenging six-game, seven-day road trip, opening play Friday night against the Colorado Rockies at Coors Field in Denver, Colorado. Right-hander Sandy Alcantara, coming off a 7 ²⁄₃ innings of work in a no-decision performance vs. Atlanta this past Saturday evening at Marlins Park, will take the baseball. Right-hander Jon Gray, who previously faced the Marlins March 31 at Marlins Park, gets the nod for the Rockies. First pitch is scheduled for 8:40 p.m. ET.

Dodgers vs. Marlins box score (Baseball Theater)

Fish Picks answer key

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