The Los Angeles Dodgers staged an impressive comeback in the eighth inning to defeat the Miami Marlins 3-1 in the first game of a split-doubleheader. The Dodgers, who lead the NL West, rebounded after a heavy loss in the previous game and continued their dominant form in August, boasting a record of 16-2 for the month. Ryan Yarbrough earned the win with two perfect innings of relief pitching, while Evan Phillips secured his 19th save of the season.
The doubleheader was arranged by Major League Baseball as a precautionary measure due to the expected arrival of Hurricane Hillary, which is predicted to hit the southwest U.S. as a tropical storm. This doubleheader replaced the originally scheduled series finale on Sunday.
Eury Pérez delivered an exceptional performance for the Marlins, striking out ten batters and allowing only two hits in six innings. However, the Marlins couldn’t hold onto their 1-0 lead, as the Dodgers rallied in the eighth inning.
The Dodgers’ James Outman drew a walk and later scored the tying run on Austin Barnes’ sacrifice bunt, aided by a throwing error from first baseman Josh Bell. Mookie Betts then sealed the victory with a two-run single to center field. The Marlins, who are fighting for a wild card spot in the NL, had won four of their last six games but struggled to generate offense, finishing the game with only five hits, one of which was an RBI double by Bryan De La Cruz.
The Marlins had their chances early on, with two runners on base in both the first and third innings, but they failed to capitalize. Caleb Ferguson, the Dodgers’ opener, managed to escape the early threats and keep the Marlins off the scoreboard. Ryan Pepiot, making his season debut for Miami after recovering from an oblique injury, pitched well, striking out five batters in five innings and allowing just three hits.
The next game, the nightcap of the doubleheader, will feature Julio UrÃas on the mound for the Dodgers, facing off against the Marlins’ Braxton Garrett.
In summary, the Los Angeles Dodgers showcased their resilience and offensive firepower in the eighth inning to overcome the Miami Marlins 3-1. The Dodgers’ strong performance in August continues, while the Marlins missed an opportunity to improve their wild card chances.
