The Miami Marlins edged out a 3-0 victory over the New York Mets in game two of a three-game series.
Pitching Battle
Although Miami managed to pull off a win, Jacob deGrom dominated as usual. The three-time All Star gave up just five hits, including a home run to Jazz Chisholm. Chisholm’s home run was the only run given up throughout deGrom’s 14 strikeout performance.
“I’ve got to tip my hat to him [Jazz Chisholm],” said deGrom. “He got to a fastball up. It was actually more out of the zone than the first two that I threw to him that he swung through and he beat me to that spot.”
Former 1st round pick Trevor Rogers also had an impressive outing, giving up just three hits in six innings, allowing no runs. Rodgers, 23-years-old, tied a career-high with 10 strikeouts.
Chisholm’s Progress
After a solid spring training, Jazz Chisholm was the Marlins’ Opening Day second baseman, after beating out Isan Diaz for the job. The Bahamian middle infielder has proven to be sure-handed in his few opportunities, while also showing progress at the plate. Chisholm took a 100.2 mph pitch from deGrom 402 feet on Saturday afternoon, giving the Marlins a 1-0 lead. Although his batting average of .200 won’t raise many eyebrows, Chisholm is making some significant strides.
Injuries
A hamstring injury to starting catcher Jorge Alfaro forced the Marlins to start back-up Chad Wallach. The fifth-year catcher batted 1-for-4 in place of Alfaro. As for the Mets, they were without third baseman J.D Davis who is fighting a bruised left hand injury. Davis was recently placed on the 10-day IL.
Takeaways
- The 14 strikeouts matched a mark deGrom hit three other times. The ace passed Dwight Gooden for the second-most starts with at least 10 strikeouts in Mets history. Only Tom Seaver (60) has more starts with that many strikeouts in team history.
- It’s the ninth time in deGrom’s career in which he has struck out that many batters and came away with a loss.
- The Mets offense could not help deGrom yet again as Mets hitters struck out a combined 13 times.
- Edwin Diaz entered in the ninth inning to try and keep the game close, but surrendered three hits and a walk and gave up his first two runs allowed this season. Those hits were to Starling Marte (double), Jesus Aguilar, and Miguel Rojas, with Aguilar and Rojas collecting RBIs with their singles.
Next Up
The Marlins will wrap up the series with New York on Sunday at 1:10 PM EST. The Mets will start pitcher Marcus Stroman on Sunday. The former All Star secured a victory in his first start of the season and currently holds a 1.50 ERA. The Marlins are yet to identify their pitcher for Sunday, but they certainly are hoping to improve their 2-6 record. Catcher Jorge Alfaro will likely return from injury for his first game since Thursday.