Marlins Dominate Rays with a 9-4 Victory
In an exciting matchup on Friday night, the Miami Marlins triumphed over the Tampa Bay Rays with a score of 9-4. Eric Wagaman shone brightly with three hits and two RBIs, while Connor Norby contributed significantly with a clutch three-run double that helped seal the game for Miami.
Norby's pivotal double in the fourth inning propelled the Marlins to a commanding 5-1 lead. Earlier in the game, Wagaman had already made his mark with a sacrifice fly in the first inning against Rays pitcher Taj Bradley (3-3), followed by an RBI single during a four-run sixth inning after Tampa Bay had narrowed the gap to 5-4.
On the Rays' side, Yandy Díaz made a notable return to the lineup after missing three games due to a passport issue. He managed to tie the game with an RBI single in the third inning, making it 1-1.
Marlins pitcher Max Meyer (3-4) allowed four runs over five innings, while the bullpen trio of Ronny Henriquez, Lake Bachar, and Tyler Phillips effectively closed out the game. In contrast, Bradley struggled, giving up five runs in just four innings, and reliever Mason Montgomery faced challenges, allowing three runs after retiring only one batter.
The Rays did show some fight, with José Caballero hitting an RBI double, Simpson contributing a single for another run, and Josh Lowe adding a two-out RBI single during a three-run fifth inning.
However, the Marlins responded decisively in the sixth, as Rays reliever Mason Montgomery walked the first two batters, leading to Kyle Stowers' single that pushed the score to 6-4. Connor Seabold then allowed Wagaman's hit and a sacrifice fly from Ronny Simon, with Javier Sanoja capping the scoring with an infield single, bringing the final score to 9-4.
Despite the loss, the Rays maintain a strong historical record against the Marlins, boasting a 24-5 record since 2019 and leading the all-time series 81-61.
Looking ahead, the Rays will send RHP Drew Rasmussen (1-4, 3.38 ERA) to the mound on Saturday, facing off against Marlins RHP Sandy Alcantara (2-5, 8.10).
