MIAMI, Sept. 18 (UPI) — In an intense match at LoanDepot Park, Jeff McNeil of the New York Mets emerged victorious with a game-winning home run in the ninth inning against the Miami Marlins.
The left fielder’s powerful swing on a 1-1 slider sent the ball flying 373 feet over the right field fence, securing a 2-1 triumph for the Mets (70-80).
“I just seem to be hitting the ball better,” said McNeil. “I don’t try to do too much when I step up to the plate.”
With this loss, the Marlins (78-73) find themselves just outside the final wild card spot in the National League playoff race, with only 11 regular-season games remaining.
Luis Arraez, second baseman for the Marlins and MLB’s leader in batting average at .354, went 2 for 4 in the game. He also reached a significant milestone, recording his 200th hit of the season with a single in his first at-bat. Arraez becomes the fourth player in Marlins history to achieve this feat.
“It means a lot to me because I’ve worked hard for it,” said Arraez. “I made it. It’s been a long season.”
The starting pitchers, Edward Cabrera of the Marlins and Jose Butto of the Mets, achieved a scoreless game for the first four innings.
The Mets broke the deadlock in the fifth inning. Ronny Mauricio, the team’s third baseman, singled and stole second base. Omar Narvaez, the Mets’ catcher, was then walked by Cabrera. Mark Vientos, the designated hitter, followed with a single to center field, allowing Mauricio to score and giving the Mets a 1-0 lead.
The Marlins responded in the bottom of the fifth inning. Jesus Sanchez, the right fielder, was walked by Butto. Garrett Hampson, the Marlins’ left fielder, then singled, advancing Sanchez to third base. Marlins shortstop Joey Wendle hit into a double play, but Sanchez managed to come in for the game-tying run.
The Mets threatened with two hits in the top of the eighth inning, but relief pitcher David Robertson prevented them from scoring. The Marlins failed to reach base in the bottom of the inning.
Marlins reliever Tanner Scott replaced Robertson in the ninth inning. His first pitch missed the strike zone against McNeil. The next pitch, an 89.4-mph slider, was crushed by McNeil into the right field bullpen for the winning run.
Mets reliever Adam Ottavino retired the Marlins in order in the bottom of the ninth inning, sealing the victory and earning his 11th save of the season.
The Marlins will host the Mets for the second game of the series at 6:40 p.m. EDT Tuesday in Miami.
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