Jorge Alfaro hit a go-ahead solo home run in the eighth inning as the Miami Marlins ended the Los Angeles Dodgers’ nine-game winning streak.
Recap
Starting Pitching
Trevor Rogers took to the mound for Miami on Monday night. Rogers gave up two runs on six hits in five innings of work. The 23-year-old also had eight strikeouts.
Meanwhile, Walker Buehler started for Los Angeles. Buehler gave up three earned runs on five hits in five innings of work. The right-hander also walked two and hit a batter.
Eighth Inning
Heading into the eighth inning, the Marlins found themselves up 4-2 with Zach Pop on the mound. However, things quickly darkened for the Marlins as the Dodgers loaded the bases with no outs. Then, with limited pitchers available, Don Mattingly took Pop out and called David Hess out of the bullpen. It was Hess’ first appearance in a Marlins uniform. Luckily, little damage was done as Hess gave up no hits. However, the Dodgers managed to score two runs, tying the game at four apiece.
Fast forwarding, Jorge Alfaro came to the plate with two outs in the bottom of the eighth inning. And down to his final strike, Alfaro blasted a 424-foot home run to left-center field, giving Miami the 5-4 lead.
Anthony Bender
Marlins rookie Anthony Bender had a chance to close this one out in the ninth inning. Bender did just that, recording his first-ever major league save.
“It feels good, it hasn’t really settled down yet but I feel good,” Bender said. “Really didn’t have any different mindset. I went up there and tried to get three outs.”
Other Notes
- Mookie Betts, Max Muncy and Cody Bellinger were not in the Dodgers’ starting lineup, but all three pinch-hit in the eighth inning.
- It was Rogers’ first start since being named an All-Star.
- Alfaro was 2-for-31 in his previous nine games.
- Los Angeles stranded 11 runners and made two errors on Monday night.
- Starling Marte and Garrett Cooper each stole bases in the third inning.
Next Up
The Marlins will look to continue the momentum against the reigning World Series Champs on Tuesday night. Pablo Lopez is scheduled to face off against Tony Gonsolin. First pitch is scheduled for 7:10 PM EST.