The New York Mets, entering Monday night with a 69-80 record, embarked on their final trip to Miami to start three-game series at loanDepot Park against their divisional foes, the Miami Marlins, who boasted a 78-72 record and looking to make a push for the postseason. The Mets put an obstacle in those hopes, however, scratching out a 2-1 victory.
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José Butto took the mound for the Mets, making a notable return to the majors this month. In his last two starts, he logged an impressive 11 1/3 innings, striking out 13 batters and allowing merely three earned runs.
On the other end for the Marlins on the mound was Edward Cabrera. Since his comeback from an injury sustained in July, Cabrera has appeared twice, covering 8 2/3 innings and accumulating 13 strikeouts. As Cabrera readies himself for a potential postseason role, he endeavors to reverse his past struggles against the Mets, having carried a career ERA of 6.65 in their previous encounters.
Monday marked the return of Luis Guillorme, who was slated to start at second base and was activated off the injured list. He had been sidelined on the injured list since July 22 due to a calf injury. In the 50 games he has played this season, the defensive specialist has posted a batting average of .238 with an on-base percentage of .304 and a slugging percentage of .347. Jonathan Araúz was optioned to Triple-A Syracuse.
In the opening inning, Luis Arraez secured his 200th hit of the season for the Marlins with a base hit. However, Miami failed to score as Butto skillfully navigated out of a tight spot. Butto continued to impress, racking up four strikeouts during his first time through the Marlins’ batting order. The Mets had a runner reach base in the fourth inning when DJ Stewart singled, but he was promptly picked off at first base.
In the subsequent half-inning, Mark Vientos delivered an RBI single to bring in Mauricio, who had stolen a base to secure the game’s first run. In the bottom of the sixth, Jorge Soler launched a towering shot to left field that was initially called a two-run home run. After a discussion among the umpires, the call was reversed to a foul ball. Following this decision, a crew chief review confirmed the foul ball call. Although the ball cleared the pole, it was deemed to have veered foul, hitting the far left side of the left field scoreboard. A few pitches later, Soler struck out on a full count slider.
Both Cabrera and Butto showcased their pitching prowess for their respective teams, as the game was tied during their exits. Cabrera completed 5 1/3 innings, allowing four hits and conceding only one earned run while striking out four. Butto, on the other hand, pitched six innings, surrendering four hits, one earned run, and striking out six.
In the top of the eighth inning, former Met David Robertson entered the game. He started by inducing a groundout from Luis Guillorme but then allowed consecutive hits to Brandon Nimmo and Francisco Lindor. With a jam brewing, Robertson rallied and struck out DJ Stewart and Pete Alonso, both looking. The Mets bullpen, with Grant Hartwig and Phil Bickford each pitching an inning, held Miami off the board and kept the Marlins from scoring.
In the top of the ninth inning, Jeff McNeil stepped up and smashed his 10th home run of the season deep into right field on a 1-1 count against Tanner Scott, giving the Mets a 2-1 lead. Omar Narváez followed with a single to center field after Ronny Mauricio struck out. Vientos hit a line drive to third base, but Jake Burger mishandled it, putting runners on first and second with just one out. Francisco Álvarez came in as a pinch hitter with the opportunity to break the game open but popped out to second base, with the infield fly rule called. Brandon Nimmo then struck out on three fastballs, allowing Miami to escape the jam.
In the bottom of the ninth, Miami’s heart of the order faced Adam Ottavino. Ottavino got Josh Bell to ground out to second for the first out, struck out Jazz Chisolm Jr. looking for the second out, and then fanned Jake Burger swinging to secure his 11th save of the season. This victory helped the Mets claim the series opener in Miami and boosted their record to 6-2 against the Marlins this season.
Statistic of The Game
According to MLB.com’s Anthony DiComo, Ronny Mauricio has set a new Mets record with six stolen bases in his first 14 career games, surpassing Keith Miller and Mookie Wilson, who both had five, and Lee Mazzilli, who had four.
Player of The Game
José Butto was stellar for the Mets on the mound as he pitched six innings, only giving up four hits, one earned run, and striking out six, matching his counterpart for Miami. His strong start is another notch in his belt and strengthens his case to secure a spot on the 2024 pitching staff.
On Deck
The Mets and Marlins go at it again Tuesday night in the second game of the series, as Joey Lucchesi takes the mound for New York, while Braxton Garrett toes the slab for Miami.
