The Major League Baseball All-Star Break is over.
The Miami Marlins begin swinging at the second half starting with a three-game homestand as the New York Mets visit.
The Mets have been primarily a disappointment under second-year manager Mickey Callaway, whose job security does not look promising. Rumors circulated that he could be fired after the Mets were swept on their last visit to Miami in May.
The Mets needed to start the second half with a win, plain and simple. The Marlins also did.
Edge went to Miami in the first game of the three-game series.
Curtis Granderson connected on his eighth home run of the season, which came on a 3-2 pitch.
Next batter, Garrett Cooper hit his ninth home run of the season on a 1-1 pitch giving the Marlins a 4-2 lead bottom of the 3rd inning.
Brian Anderson showed up to the party; also, he connected on a two-run homer, his career-high 12th of the season and off Robert Gsellman to give the Marlins a 7-2 lead. The fish look mentally and physically rested after an 8-4 victory over the Mets.
“Everybody benefits from a little of rest,” Marlins manager Don Mattingly said. “Especially the everyday guys, it is a nice little break for you, but that is more of a mental break. A few guys are physically beat up; most guys are getting ready every day. Something I don’t think people understand the grind of playing as many games as we do try to get ready for that, it is more on the mental side, I thought they looked good.”
The Marlins beat the Mets for the fourth straight time.
Miami’s Caleb Smith (5-4) pitched six innings, allowing two unearned runs and three hits. He struck out six and worked around a season-high five walks.
Miami first-round pick J.J. Bleday was in the building and has signed with the club making him officially a Marlin. Bleday took part in batting practice before the game. Moreover, he made his rounds around the ballpark, including an appearance on T.V. during the game in the broadcast booth.
Gone fishing, Miami’s 4th selection outfielder J.J. Bleday gets noticed by the kid
“It’s been great,” Bleday said. “This city does a good job in welcoming in young players and young athletes. It’s fun to be a part of, the weather is great, the city is great. It’s just a great experience.”
Bleday, an outfielder who was the fourth overall selection, helped Vanderbilt to a national championship and led the nation in home runs.
“It’s an exciting day for us as an organization,” Marlins chief executive officer Derek Jeter said. “We want to infuse our organization with as much talent as we possibly can. J.J. had arguably the best season in college baseball. You’re talking about a guy that hits for power, hits for average, has played in some games with a lot of pressure, and he’s performed, so we are extremely excited to have him as a part of the organization.”
The beat goes on.
The Mets will send RHP Noah Syndergaard on the mound for game two (6-4, 4.68 ERA) is 6-1 with a 1.74 ERA in nine career starts against the Marlins.
The Marlins will send RHP Zac Gallen (0-1, 4.50) who will make his fourth career start.
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