Marlins win game they had no business winning, 4-2

The Marlins split their penultimate series of the 2019 campaign with a thrilling 4-2 victory over the Mets Thursday night. Jordan Yamamoto and third-string catcher Tyler Heineman were among the individuals to achieve significant milestones.

Jordan Yamamoto: 6.0 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 3 BB, 10 K (93 pitches)

Zack Wheeler: 8.0 IP, 5 H, 3 ER, 0 BB, 10 K, 2 HR (113 pitches)

In just his second outing since missing time with a right forearm strain, Yamamoto came out of the gates looking unsteady. He issued first-inning walks to Brandon Nimmo and certified Marlin Killer Michael Conforto. Robinson Canó nearly stroked a three-run, upper-deck home run, but hooked it foul; the rookie induced a groundout to escape the jam.

From there, though, Yamamoto found his groove. He retired 15 of 17 Mets batters faced beginning in the second inning, racking up a career-high 10 strikeouts in the process. He maintained his fastball velocity well throughout the evening and had an especially good feel for his curveball.

The biggest scare in the middle innings was a fly ball to the right-center field warning track off the bat of Luis Guillorme.

Zack Wheeler was just as sharp in his final audition for MLB teams heading into free agency. Not only on the mound, but Mets manager Mickey Callaway allowed Wheeler to hit for himself against Jarlin García in the seventh with the bases loaded and the score 0-0.

When he actually came through in that situation with a go-ahead RBI single, you just figured it wasn’t Miami’s night.

And then...magic.

Heineman drove Wheeler’s 100th pitch deep to right for a game-tying, two-run home run. It was his first career homer in the big leagues.

Two minutes later, beloved ex-Met Curtis Granderson did the same! His pinch-hit solo shot seized a 3-2 lead for the Fish.

Given the struggles of the Marlins bullpen, Austin Dean’s ninth-inning blast against Edwin Díaz was much-needed insurance. Dean is slashing .279/.343/.574 in September.

José Ureña converted his third save opportunity of the month with some help from Isan Díaz and Miguel Rojas.

Now, off to Philly for a three-game set. Friday’s probable starters are Pablo López and Vince Velasquez. First pitch at 7:05 p.m.

Marlins vs. Mets box score (Baseball Theater)

Fish Picks answer key

1. Marlins
2. Over
3. Under
4. No
5. Marlins