MIA 1, NYM 3; Offense Can’t Cash In As Fish Get Swept in Doubleheader

The Miami Marlins had their chances in a 3-1 loss to the New York Mets on Tuesday. Two hours after losing a heartbreaking 6-5 game in which they led by four in the final inning, they left runners on base in a couple of key innings in the seven-inning game.

With Miami down 3-0, one out in the fifth inning and a runner on first, Miguel Rojas hit a line drive off the leg of Mets pitcher Trevor Williams. Marlins starting pitcher Edward Cabrera was on deck. Despite a workload of only 53 pitches to that point, Marlins manager Don Mattingly elected to pinch hit with Jesús Aguilar, ending Cabrera’s night.

Aguilar slapped a ball down the right field line to score Sandy León and get Rojas to third. Jazz Chisholm Jr. walked to load the bases with one out, but Isan Díaz hit a comebacker to Williams, which sparked an inning-ending double play. It was his second bases-loaded double play of the day, also hitting into one during game one (incredibly, he had zero GIDP for the Marlins all season entering the day).

Some were confused about the timing of Cabrera’s exit—don’t the Marlins want to stretch out his arm as much as possible before the season ends and prioritize his development?

Mattingly said he did not want to send a message to the players that “we’re not trying to win games.”

“Aguilar had a big spot,” Mattingly said. “He got a big double for us, gave us a chance to tie that game up with a base hit...Especially with the National League game, we’re down and we’re hitting in the fifth in a seven-inning game, you’re not going to get many more chances (to score).”

Cabrera’s only two mistakes were a Michael Conforto two-run home run and a Jeff McNeil double. The Conforto home run came one pitch after Cabrera awkwardly fell to the ground after a pitch.

The Marlins could not cash in during the sixth inning either, when they got two runners on to start the inning.

Lewin Díaz was designated as the 27th man on the Marlins roster for the doubleheader, making his return to the majors after an outstanding month at Triple-A. He started at first base and went 0-for-3. Mattingly said he’ll be optioned down to the minors again prior to their next game.

Wednesday’s game is postponed due to the expectation of rain throughout the day and night. These teams will play another doubleheader against each other in Queens on Sept. 28. The next game for them will be this Thursday at 7:10 p.m. Carlos Carrasco is still expected to start for the Mets, while the Marlins have not announced a starter yet.

Fish Picks Answer Key

1. Elieser Hernandez
2. Over
3. Yes
4. Mets
5. Mets