Jorge Soler’s impressive performance led the Miami Marlins to a commanding 11-3 victory over the Los Angeles Dodgers, ending their 11-game winning streak. Soler hit two of the Marlins’ season-high five home runs off Dodgers pitcher Tony Gonsolin. With the win, the Marlins spoiled the Dodgers’ hot streak.
The Marlins came out swinging in the third inning, scoring six runs on three homers. Jake Burger contributed a three-run homer, while Jacob Stallings added a two-run shot. Jazz Chisholm Jr.’s three-run shot in the fourth finally chased Gonsolin from the game, as he gave up a career-worst 10 runs in just 10 outs.
Mookie Betts got the Dodgers off to a good start with a leadoff homer, setting a franchise record with his 11th leadoff homer of the season. Max Muncy and James Outman also hit solo homers for the Dodgers, but it wasn’t enough to overcome the Marlins’ offensive onslaught.
While both teams displayed impressive power hitting, Marlins manager Skip Schumaker noted that the ball was carrying differently at Dodger Stadium on this particular night. The Marlins capitalized on this advantage, and their explosive hitting proved to be too much for the Dodgers.
Gonsolin’s struggles on the mound added to the Dodgers’ woes. He tied a record for most homers allowed in a start during the Dodgers’ time in Los Angeles, matching Don Sutton’s 1973 mark. Gonsolin later revealed that he has been pitching through an elbow injury, which might require him to take a break from the rotation. Manager Dave Roberts had previously hinted at Gonsolin’s health issues.
On the pitching side, Sandy Alcántara had a solid outing for the Marlins, allowing three solo homers in six innings of work. Despite conceding the long balls, Alcántara managed to keep the Dodgers’ offense in check.
The game ended on a light note as Dodgers infielder Miguel Rojas, who spent eight seasons with the Marlins, took the mound to pitch the ninth inning. He retired all three Marlins he faced, jokingly attempting to bypass the post-inning umpire check for sticky substances on his hands.
Hurricane Hilary’s expected arrival in Southern California prompted MLB to reschedule the remaining two games of the series to a doubleheader on Saturday, ensuring player safety amid the weather concerns.
The Marlins’ victory, marked by their five-home run performance, kickstarted their West Coast trip on a positive note. This was their first five-homer game since 2012, leaving Alcántara pleasantly surprised by his team’s offensive prowess.
Looking ahead, the Marlins will start Eury Perez in the first game of the doubleheader against a Dodgers bullpen game likely featuring Ryan Pepiot. In the second game, Julio UrÃas will take the mound for the Dodgers, while the Marlins will rely on Braxton Garrett.
The loss was only the Dodgers’ second in 17 games in August. Despite the defeat, they still hold the top spot in the NL West.
