Jesús Luzardo and three other pitchers worked together to secure the Miami Marlins’ third straight game without allowing the New York Mets to score, winning 8-0 on Friday night.
Miami’s pitchers haven’t allowed any runs for 28 innings now, just three innings short of their best record set back in April 2004.
“It’s been a great run. It took us some time at the beginning of the season to find our rhythm,” Luzardo mentioned. “But we always believed in our abilities. Our pitching team was highly praised coming into this season. Finally, we’re starting to click and understand each other better.”
Luzardo pitched for six innings, giving up only five hits and striking out seven. This win broke his eight-game losing streak since September 17th.
Miami’s starting pitcher on opening day, Luzardo, has been doing well since coming back from an injury on May 11th, allowing only two runs and striking out 13 batters in 12 innings.
“It’s evident that he needs to be aggressive,” commented Marlins manager Skip Schumaker. “When he’s aggressive and keeps his pitches in the strike zone, he’s very effective.”
The Mets, now with a record of 20-24, suffered their sixth loss in eight games, dropping four games below .500 for the first time since the start of the season. This was the fifth time they were shut out.
“It all comes down to how well Luzardo pitched tonight,” Mets manager Carlos Mendoza said. “We’ve seen it before. When he’s in form, he’s a tough opponent.”
Nick Fortes hit a home run and two singles, while Josh Bell hit a double and a single for the Marlins. Fortes, who was batting .127 before, was also behind the plate for the three shutout victories.
“I’m most proud of the shutouts. I think it’s a great achievement,” Fortes shared. “That’s my main job, and I take a lot of pride in it.”
