The Marlins have had some big ninth-inning struggles this season. Today, they turned the tables on the Mets.
Giancarlo Stanton hit a walkoff grand slam as part of a six-run bottom of the ninth as the Marlins topped the Mets 8-4.
The game was tied 2-2 entering the ninth when the Mets rallied for two runs in the top of the inning off Heath Bell. That would have given the struggling Bell his fourth loss of the season had the Mets been able to close it out.
However, Frank Francisco didn’t have it today, either. He gave up a triple, a walk and an RBI single to the three batters he faced before being replaced by Manny Acosta. A sac fly then tied the game at 4. After a pop out to right, it looked like the game might go to extras. However, a walk and a HBP followed, loading the bases and allowing Stanton to do his thing. It was his second career walkoff homer and third career slam.
Francisco’s latest misadventure could well get him replaced in the closer’s role for the Mets. With Acosta also struggling, Jon Rauch would be the favorite to take over. Eventually, Bobby Parnell might earn a look there.
The Marlins also couldn’t have been too happy with what they saw from Bell, whose ERA jumped back over 10.00 today. Steve Cishek and Edward Mujica rate as their most reliable relievers.