Ryan Weathers pitched well for six innings, Jake Burger delivered a crucial two-run single in the seventh, and the Miami Marlins defeated the Arizona Diamondbacks 3-1 on Sunday.
The Marlins, who have been playing strongly, won two out of three games against the Diamondbacks, marking their fourth consecutive series win. Miami has won nine out of their last 13 games after a tough start to the season with a record of 10-31.
Weathers (3-4) had another impressive outing, allowing only four hits, walking one, and striking out seven batters. The 24-year-old left-hander has only given up one earned run in his last three starts, covering 21 innings.
“I think I’m just trusting myself more and throwing my pitches confidently over the plate early in the count,” Weathers said. “It gives me more options later on.”
Tanner Scott closed the game in the ninth inning, earning his seventh save in eight opportunities.
“It all starts with pitching,” commented Marlins manager Skip Schumaker. “Weathers had another outstanding performance. He showed great improvement with only five walks in the entire month of May.”
The Marlins extended their lead to 3-0 in the seventh inning, capitalizing on a throwing error by shortstop Kevin Newman, which allowed Nick Fortes to score the first run.
With runners on first and second base and one out, Newman fielded a hard-hit grounder but his throw to second baseman Blaze Alexander was off-target, enabling Fortes to score easily.
Burger increased the lead with a line drive to left field, bringing home Jesús Sánchez and Bryan De La Cruz. Burger had an impressive series with six hits, breaking out of a recent slump.
“We’ve always known how strong our starting rotation is,” said Burger. “It’s enjoyable playing behind our pitchers and making plays to support them.”
In the eighth inning, Arizona narrowed the gap to 3-1 after Corbin Carroll hit a triple and Lourdes Gurriel Jr. brought him home with a groundout. The Diamondbacks struggled offensively throughout the series, scoring only four runs despite collecting 15 hits.
