The Miami Marlins do not look good record-wise in the National league standings however they find a way to beat big pitchers.
Entering Sunday’s game hosting the Philadelphia Phillies, the Marlins, in last place in the National League East with a 40-57 record, have this year beaten three-time Cy Young Award winner Clayton Kershaw of the Los Angeles Dodgers along with Philadelphia Phillies Cy Young winner Jake Arrieta and New York Mets ace Jacob deGrom. On Saturday, the Marlins beat Phillies first-time All-Star Aaron Nola (12-3).
Marlins did not face another All-Star pitcher on Sunday, Enyel De Los Santos, made his second big league start. The right-hander was recalled before the game from Triple-A Lehigh Valley to start for Zach Eflin the projected starter, who went on the disabled list with a finger blister.
Marlins were down five runs entering the bottom of the eighth inning. Cameron Maybin turned on the water faucet beginning the comeback against De Los Santos. Maybin recorded his second home run of the year, a solo home run to start the rally in the fifth inning.
Brian Anderson increased the water pressure, he hit a three-run homer in an eight-run fifth inning, and the Miami Marlins overcame a five-run discrepancy to beat the Philadelphia Phillies 10-5 Sunday.
Anderson tied his career high with three hits for the eighth time and recorded his fourth multi-hit contest over his last six games. He is batting .370 in that span.
It was the most runs scored by the Marlins and allowed by the Phillies in an inning this season.
With the win, the Marlins enter the All-Star break having won two consecutive series against first-place teams, the Milwaukee Brewers and the Phillies and an overall record of 41-57 overall moreover won eight of their last 12 series moving ahead of the New York Mets in the division.
“I like our spirit we have shown some really good things,” Marlins manager Don Mattingly stated. “The only thing not to like is our record.”
The Marlins began the day with the worst record in the NL East, but they took the series against the division-leading Phils and have gone 21-18 since June 5.
The team is not over .500 but this Marlins team who started the season 5-17 have been playing nearly .500 ball for half the season, which isn’t bad given that this is a young team.
“We have it here and it is creating an atmosphere where guys generally care about the next guy,” Maybin stated.
The Marlins totaled 15 hits. Miami starter Jose Urena allowed five runs and departed after throwing 42 pitches to get through the fourth, matching his shortest outing this year. He came into the game with the worst run support of any NL starter, but this game was different.
Now we break.
Marlins: RHP Dan Straily (3-4, 4.29 ERA) is scheduled to start when Miami returns from the break Friday at Tampa Bay.
