The Miami Marlins lost their series-closing game to the NL Central-leading Chicago Cubs by a final of 2-0 on Sunday. Overall, it was a weak offensive day for both ball clubs, but the Cubs were able to break through and close out the game with some stellar pitching against Miami’s lifeless bats.
Game Recap
Sunday’s game was a duel of pitchers from its outset as both Cubs’ starter Alec Mills and Marlins’ rookie starter Zach Thompson delivered quality outings. However, it was the Marlins who faltered first as shoddy defense and an error by shortstop Miguel Rojas opened the door for the Cubs to score an unearned run. They then converted a great at-bat by Patrick Wisdom into another run, an RBI single by outfielder Jake Marisnick. On the other side, Mills and the Cubs’ bullpen shutout the Marlins at the plate. They allowed just six combined hits and allowed none in the last three innings. Craig Kimbrel threw a hitless ninth to wrap up the game, earning his 13th straight save.
The Hole Deepens
The Marlins came into Sunday’s game in last place in the NL East and fell even further after Sunday’s loss. Miami has now dropped eight full games back behind the division-leading Mets and are a measly 5-5 in their past 10 games. The Marlins will need to pull off a miracle to righten the ship, but the more expected result is a fire sale at the deadline of veterans, like Rojas. This could also lead to the call up of some of Miami’s prospects, widely considered to be among the best farm systems in baseball today.
What’s Next?
Miami has the day off on Monday, giving the team some well-needed rest after a stretch of road games. They will then be heading home on Tuesday at 7:10 PM EST to face the AL East’s Toronto Blue Jays, led by AL MVP candidate Vladimir Guerrero Jr.