The playoff race is changing into attention-grabbing once more for the Miami Marlins, and it has the staff’s full consideration.
Coming off an 8-5, 11-inning win at Washington on Friday, the Marlins will search for their third straight victory once they face the Nationals once more on Saturday.
“To return out on prime is what makes it most fun,” mentioned Miami utility participant Garrett Hampson, who homered within the eleventh inning on Friday.
The Marlins have received solely 5 of their previous 15 outings, however they could possibly be gaining traction once more. Miami (68-67) sits simply two video games behind the ultimate Nationwide League wild-card place, which is collectively held by the San Francisco Giants (70-65) and the Arizona Diamondbacks (70-65).
The newest end result may present a wanted increase.
“You are on the level within the season hoping the breaks are going to go your means,” Marlins supervisor Skip Schumaker mentioned. “You discover methods to win video games, and we’ll take them any means we are able to get them.”
Hampson, who homered for less than the second time this season, needs to be one of many contributors down the stretch.
“I really like the group of men. I really like the employees,” he mentioned. “I get pleasure from being right here. Baseball is meant to be enjoyable.”
Despite the fact that Marlins designated hitter Jorge Soler missed a 3rd consecutive sport as he copes with a sore hip, he was accessible for use, Schumaker mentioned.
The Nationals (62-74) have misplaced three in a row and 5 of their final six video games.
Infielder Ildemaro Vargas could possibly be again within the Washington lineup this weekend after a few days off. Supervisor Davey Martinez mentioned Vargas had a heavy workload whereas enjoying each inning of the earlier 25 contests.
“He has performed unbelievable protection for one,” Martinez mentioned. “I used to be taking a look at it, I’ve obtained to discover a method to get him a break.”
Nationals outfielder Travis Blankenhorn made an impression in his first main league sport in additional than a yr, homering and strolling twice on Friday. He was referred to as up as a part of the September roster enlargement.
Proper-hander Trevor Williams (6-8, 4.82 ERA) will begin for the Nationals on Saturday. He was strong on Sunday at Miami, limiting the Marlins to 2 runs in seven innings, however he wound up because the shedding pitcher.
For his profession, Williams is 1-3 with a 4.18 ERA in 12 outings (seven begins) in opposition to the Marlins, 0-2 with a 5.19 ERA in three begins this yr. He’s one strikeout away from reaching 100 in a season for the primary time since 2019.
Martinez intends to make the most of the flexibleness he has with pitchers added to the bullpen this month.
“We have been fairly lucky that our guys have carried out nicely,” the supervisor mentioned. “I do know after speaking to our starters, the six-man rotation did not trouble them a bit. I believe the additional days helped these guys.
“The bullpen, we sort of managed their innings one of the best we are able to, and for probably the most half, we have carried out a fairly good job with that. The largest factor is retaining these guys wholesome.”
The Marlins did not announce a beginning pitcher for Saturday, however they need to have extra choices. Geoff Hartlieb was referred to as up from Triple-A Jacksonville as a part of the September roster enlargement. He wasn’t among the many six Miami pitchers used Friday night time.
—Subject Stage Media
