Miami Marlins Unable To Sweep New York Mets, Lose Finale 7-6

May 1, 2013; Miami, FL, USA; New York Mets center fielder Jordany Valdespin (1) rounds the bases after hitting a three-run home run in the sixth inning against the Miami Marlins at Marlins Park. The Mets won 7-6. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports

The Miami Marlins came into this game looking to sweep the New York Mets after guaranteeing themselves their first series win of the season by taking the first two games on Monday and Tuesday.  They sent LHP Wade LeBlanc to the mound to face off against Mets’ starter Dillon Gee.

Things started out splendidly for the Marlins in the bottom half of the first inning as the first two batters reached via walks and Justin Ruggiano delivered a single to drive in the first run.  With two outs in the inning, Chris Valaika would double into the leftfield corner to drive in 2 more runs and give the Marlins a 3-0 lead.  The Marlins would add another run in the fourth on a single by Juan Pierre driving in LeBlanc, who had also singled, and allowing them to take a 4-1 lead.

Wade LeBlanc was not at this best on the day as he allowed at least one baserunner in every inning, but was able to hold the Mets to just one run through the first five innings.   He would run into trouble in the sixth inning, however, as he allowed a run and left two Mets on base when he was removed with 2 outs in the inning.  A.J. Ramos would come on to try to close out the inning and the Mets countered by bringing up pinch hitter Jordany Valdespin.  Valdespin promptly delivered with a 3-run homer to give the Mets a 5-4 lead.  LeBlanc ended up going five and two-thirds innings and giving up 4 earned runs on 8 hits.  He struck out 4 and did not walk a batter.

The Mets extended their lead in the seventh inning as ex-Marlin John Buck continued to pound his former team with a 2 RBI double that would make the score 7-4.  The Marlins would make a comeback, though, in the bottom half of the inning.  Ruggiano would again deliver a single with Marlins on base and Mets leftfielder Lucas Duda allowed the ball to bounce by him to the fence as both Marlins runners came in to score.  The score was now 7-6 with Ruggiano standing on third and only 1 out in the inning. The Marlins appeared to be in prime position to get the tying run home, but it was not to be as the next two hitters were promptly retired.

Mets closer Bobby Parnell came on in the ninth and quickly dispatched of the Marlins hitters in order to seal the victory.  Dillon Gee (2-4) was credited with the win for the Mets as they improved to 11-15 and Ramos (0-1) took the loss for the Marlins as they fell to 8-20.

Up Next: The Marlins will now head to Philadelphia to take on the Phillies in a 4 games series over the weekend.  On Thursday, Alex Sanabia (2-3) starts for the Marlins and Kyle Kendrick (2-1) will take the ball for the Phillies.