The Miami Marlins drop game one of the series to the New York Mets by a score of 3-2. They led through almost half of the game until the ninth, when closer Anthony Bass allowed two runs in the ninth to secure the loss.
Good Start for Neidert
Nick Neidert had the ball to start the game for the Marlins and did a magnificent job. Although he went just 4.1 innings, he only allowed one earned run and three hits to go along with three strikeouts. However, Neidert did struggle with control throughout his outing. He ended his outing with five walks which is likely why he was pulled so early. The lone earned run was allowed in the fifth inning when Mets left fielder, Dominic Smith, hit a sacrifice fly to allow Fransisco Lindor to score.
Marlins Struggle to Score
Mets pitcher, Taijuan Walker, had a similarly great day as his counterpart. Walker went six innings allowing two earned runs and four hits while striking out four batters in his Mets debut. The Marlins were able to cross the plate twice in the sixth when left fielder, Corey Dickerson, was able to drive in a run with a double to right field. Dickerson would then score in the same inning when Jesus Aguilar was able to drive him in on a single to right field.
Blown Lead from Bass
The game ultimately came down to the bullpens. The Marlins were not able to get any offense going after the sixth. The Mets bullpen held them to just one hit, and one walk, through three innings. The Marlins middle relievers and set-up pitchers were able to keep the Mets strong offense at bay as well, allowing just one hit and one walk through 4.2 innings while collectively striking out three batters. However, closer Anthony Bass struggled to shut down the game in the ninth. He blew the save when he allowed a one-run home run to second baseman Jeff McNeil. It was McNeil’s first hit of the season. Bass was able to get just one out before giving up two more hits and a walk.
The nail on the coffin was when Bass hit Michael Conforto with the bases loaded, allowing the winning run to score for the Mets. Many say this call was questionable, as Conforto seemed to lean into the pitch.
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Summary and Future
Overall, this was a poor game for the Marlins offense. Their offense was extremely lackluster against a bottom-tier arm. On the other hand, their pitching was magnificent minus their closer, Anthony Bass. Starter, Nick Neidert was extremely effective, but will need to work on his control in coming starts.
The Marlins will face off against the Mets again on Saturday, April 10th, at 1:10 PM EST. Trevor Rodgers will look to pick up his first win of the season for the Marlins, while Jacob deGrom will get the ball for the Mets.