MIA 4, NYM 3: Mejía, bullpen preserve early lead in series-opening W

This interminable Marlins road trip continues to exceed all expectations on the field. Francisco Cervelli provided breathing room early on Friday night, Humberto Mejía handed it off to a handful of relievers and the Fish eked out a 4-3 win over the Mets.

• Humberto Mejía: 2.1 IP, 2 H, 1 ER, 2 BB, 6 K, 1 HR (67 pitches)
• Michael Wacha: 5.0 IP, 6 H, 4 ER, 2 BB, 9 K, 1 HR (98 pitches)

Mejía, a 23-year-old right-hander, became the eighth Marlins player in as many games to make his MLB debut this season, but the only one to do so as a starting pitcher. He is now one of four Panamanians to play for the franchise in the major leagues.

Fish Stripes original GIF

“This was a very special day for me—something I was dreaming about since I was a kid,” Mejía said postgame. “I think I did a good job. I hope to be here for more games and have the opportunity.”

Serving as the Marlins’ primary catcher in the absence of Jorge Alfaro, Cervelli has been making consistent quality contact. His opposite-field, three-run home run off Wacha allowed the club to put up a crooked number in the second inning.

Although still hitless since arriving in The Show, infielder/former Winter Olympian Eddy Alvarez made an extraordinary leaping catch, without which the Marlins likely would have blown their lead in the bottom of the eighth.

Rather than turn to Brandon Kintzler for the fourth straight day, Nick Vincent earned his first save of the season.

Left-hander David Peterson will start for the Mets on Saturday. While Don Mattingly has yet to officially announce his own starter, Daniel Castano is the only member of the pitching staff who hasn’t been used yet this week. First pitch is set for 7:10 p.m. ET.

Marlins vs. Mets box score

Fish Picks Answer Key

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