Brandon Nimmo. Photo by: Stacy Podelski/1495Sports
It was a memorable day at loanDepot Park in Miami Florida, as the New York Mets (1-0) were able to defeat the Marlins (0-1) by a final of 5-3.
On the mound for New York righty Max Scherzer (1-0) was impressive in mixing up his pitches. Scherzer was able to keep the Miami offense off balance, as the bats had grounded, popped and struck out for most of the game.
Scherzer finished up the game with six strikeouts, moving up the career leaders in strikeouts with 3,199. With that mark Max surpasses teammate Justin Verlander who has 3,198, and is now 13th all time.
Meanwhile, it was a combination of small ball that was able to lead that led team to the victory. New York was able to get on the scoreboard in the third inning as Brandon Nimmo hit a sacrifice fly RBI.
It was in the Sixth Inning that Jeff McNeil was able to drive in two runs thanks to a scortching single to right field, making the game 3-0.
Miami plated their first run in the bottom of the Sixth, thanks to an RBI double by Luis Arraez. things got interesting when Garrett Cooper tied the game at three with a homer to center field.
New York pounced quickly to regain their lead thanks to a booming double by Brandon Nimmo that made the score 5-3.
From there the Mets bullpen was able to finish the job, as Drew Smith, Brooks Raley and David Robertson all closed the door on the Marlins.
Smith and Raley were both very impressive as they combined for three strikeouts. Robertson, who at one point in time closed games for the New York Yankees, showed that form once again in getting two strikeouts and a flyout to earn career save 158.
All of this came as the Mets have been bit by the injury bug early on in the year. The first injury was to closer Edwin Diaz, who completely tore his patellar tendon in celebrating Team Puerto Rico’s victory in the World Baseball Classic.
Then recently the Mets received another bit of news as starter Justin Verlander strained his teres major muscle. That announcement was made by the team moments prior to the start of the game against Miami.
So now the Mets are going to have to shuffle not only their starting rotation, but who may get opportunities to close out the games. So far Robertson looked great in his first closing opportunity, and it will be fascinating to see what manager Buck Showalter does with his rotation.
Game Two between the Mets and Marlins will take place tomorrow (Friday) as David Peterson takes on Jesus Luzardo. First pitch at loanDepot Park is set for 6:40 p.m.
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