Havana, June 7 (RHC) – The Miami Marlins defeated the Tampa Bay Rays 4-1 today at LoanDepot Park, in a duel where offensive patience and pitching dominance tipped the scales.
In a clash that pitted contrasting realities against each other within their divisions, the Rays (37-25), leaders of the American League East, took an early lead when Cuban Yandy DÃaz hit an RBI single in the third inning.
Starter Griffin Jax held the line for five flawless innings, but his departure opened a crack that Miami exploited with precision in the sixth against reliever Garrett Cleavinger.
An RBI triple by Dominican Otto López ignited the spark, and a sacrifice fly by Kyle Stowers completed the partial comeback that changed the momentum of the game.
In the seventh inning, with Steven Matz on the mound, the Marlins extended their lead on an RBI groundout by Joe Mack and a defensive error that exposed weaknesses in Tampa’s defense.
Dominican right-hander Sandy Alcántara delivered a solid seven-inning start, allowing only one run and striking out seven to earn a commanding victory.
Miami, now with a record of 31-35 and second to last in the National League East, secured the individual series two games to one against a rival that came with better credentials, but ended up caught in the upward current of the home team.
