Spring Training #GrapefruitGators
Tuesday afternoon, the Miami Marlins made the short trip north to face their NL East rivals, the New York Mets. The Mets entered this game seeking revenge, having lost their previous three matchups of Spring Training against the Marlins.
The Mets started star pitcher Noah Syndergaard, who, in his first start of spring, allowed 0 ER and 1 hit over 2 IP. Miami handed the ball to Jordan Yamamato, who picked up the win against the Mets in his previous start.
The excitement started early in Port St. Lucie, with Miami 1B Garrett Cooper and New York 3B Jeff McNeil trading solo shots in the first inning.
He’ll take your scoreless inning AND your glove. #MarlinsST | @CoopaLoop1 pic.twitter.com/AMRS7JL4rL
— Miami Marlins (@Marlins) March 3, 2020
The flying 🐿 is at it again. pic.twitter.com/brPhQCwLeG
— New York Mets (@Mets) March 3, 2020
Following the leadoff home run by McNeil, the Mets were unable to get any more runs to cross the plate. The Marlins, on the other hand, continued their 2020 offensive tear, exploding for 10 hits and 6 runs against their division rivals. Garrett Cooper, Chad Wallach, and Victor Victor Mesa led the campaign for Miami.
The #Marlins' 2-run 9th included:
🔹 A BB by Monte Harrison
🔹 A 1B by Jesus Sanchez
🔹 A 1B by JJ Bleday
🔹 An E by Tim Tebow
🔹 An RBI 1B by Victor Victor MesaHere are Monte, Jesus, JJ & VVM on the @Marlins' brand-new Top 30 Prospects list: https://t.co/hRmHyTxVyw pic.twitter.com/3Eba4TbjZz
— MLB Pipeline (@MLBPipeline) March 3, 2020
New York started to put up a fight in the bottom of the ninth, loading the bases against Miami pitcher Braxton Garrett. This proved to be too little too late, however, with all three runners being stranded. This was only the third time in the game that New York baserunners even made it to scoring position, all of which were left on base. The Mets starting lineup combined for only 4 hits.
Starting Pitching Performances
Despite allowing 2 earned runs, Noah Syndergaard proved today to be ready for the regular season. The former All-Star topped out at 98 mph and showed great command of his offspeed while striking out five over 3 IP.
For the Fish, Yamamato was efficient with dominant pitch location. After allowing only 1 earned run over 3 IP and picking up his second win of Spring Training, Miami hopes for Jordan to be a rock towards the middle of their rotation.
Player of the Game
The player of the game was Miami C Chad Wallach, who picked up a pair of RBI singles and played excellent defense behind the dish. Wallach, who was drafted by the Marlins in the 5th round of the 2013 Draft, leads the Grapefruit League with 8 RBIs.
Miami improves to 8-3 this spring and 4-0 between the two teams, while New York falls to 4-7. The two will meet again in Jupiter on Monday, March 9.
