Miami Marlins Win Fourth Straight Spring Training: Four Lessons Against the Mets

 The Miami Marlins topped the New York Mets by an 8-1 final score on Tuesday afternoon.

At 1:08 P.M EST, the Miami Marlins starting pitcher, Trevor Richards, threw the first pitch of the game to Mets leadoff hitter, Jeff McNeil. He induced a groundout, then struck out the next two batters for a perfect first inning.

Richards was on-point all game long, lasting a spring Marlins-high five innings and striking out six Mets. Richards only walked one, and surrendered a total of two hits, both doubles. Thanks to a double play, Richards only faced two over the minimum, and earned the win. His spring ERA stands at 2.70.

Nick Anderson got Rajai Davis to swing and miss strike three for the final out of the ninth, two hours and 45 minutes later. Between those two events, the Mets and Marlins played nine innings of spring baseball at Roger Dean Chevrolet Stadium, with 3,427 in attendance.

Richards is clearly ready for the games to start counting. Here’s three other things you can take to the bank. Chances at making the Opening Day roster are estimated entirely by me.

Hit Parade

The Miami Marlins collected a total of 12 hits against the Mets today, by 11 different players. The only Marlin to finish with a multi-hit game was starting third baseman Brian Anderson, who hit a first inning single and added a two-run shot in the third inning.

Aside from him, Curtis Granderson, Rosell Herrera, Yadiel Rivera, Neil Walker, Garrett Cooper, Starlin Castro, Jon Berti, Harold Ramirez, Miguel Rojas, and Austin Dean also hit safely. They aside from the home run and Cooper’s hit, a double, all the hits were singles.

Chances:

Anderson: 100 percent
Granderson: 95 percent
Herrera: 20 percent
Rivera: 40 percent
Walker: 90 percent
Cooper: 80 percent
Castro: 100 percent
Berti: 20 percent
Ramirez: 40 percent
Rojas: 100 perent
Dean: 90 percent

Strikeout Central

Miami Marlins pitching finished with 10 strikeouts. Unfortunately for the Marlins, Mets pitching also finished with 10 strikeouts. Richards led the way with six. Mike Kickham added one in one-run sixth, Hector Noesi whiffed one in two innings of work, and Anderson got two to miss in the ninth, closing in a non-save opportunity.

As to chances to make the team, Richards is a near-lock for the rotation. Kickham, his run allowed notwithstanding, is having a better-than-expected spring, and may make it hard for management to send him down. Anderson will probably break camp with the team, and Noesi likely with the New Orleans Baby Cakes.

Chances:

Richards: 95 percent
Anderson: 75 percent
Kickham: 35 percent
Noesi: 20 percent

Peter O’Brien is Still Missing (the ball)

A grand slam home run and a five-RBI, two-hit day will make you forget your troubles for a moment. O’Brien did just that this past Saturday against these same Mets, but continues to strike out at an exorbitant clip. After going 0-for-three today with another K, O’Brien has a .138 average this spring, going four-for-29 with 16 strikeouts.

More from Marlins News

• Miami Marlins news: Another target gone
• Why didn’t the Miami Marlins sign JDM?
• Miami Marlins rejected Boston‘s trade offer
• Miami Marlins are pursuing Michael Conforto
• Miami Marlins need to spend to win

O’Brien, who was already known for his trouble laying off bad pitches, seemed to have had it under control for the Miami Marlins in September last season. He hit .273 with four moonshots and 10 RBI in a 22 game-look at the end of the season. The four homers brought his season total, between the major and minor leagues to 34 for the season.

O’Brien is better than this. Look for him to find his swing soon. Hopefully sooner than Opening Day.

Thanks for reading. Like us on Facebook, follow us on Twitter, and subscribe to our daily newsletter to keep up with the Miami Marlins.