Marlins Fall Flat

The Marlins’ bats were silenced by the Mets on Saturday as Johan Santana tossed a 3 hit complete game shutout on short rest.   With the win, the Mets moved back into a tie with the Brewers for the N.L. Wild-Card and can now possibly clinch a playoff spot with a win on Sunday.    Ricky Nolaco started for the Marlins and tossed a fine game but was outdueled by this year’s potential Cy Young Winner, Santana.

Nolasco allowed two runs in seven innings of work, striking out ten while only walking one capping a fantastic 2008 season that saw him go 15-7 with a 3.52 E.R.A.   After starting the year in the bullpen this season, Nolasco would appear destined to start on Opening Day in 2009.    This year’s Opening Day starter, Mark Hendrickson threw one scoreless inning of relief to finish off the pitching side of things for the Marlins in this game.     Jorge Cantu, Josh Willingham, and Cody Ross had the only three hits for the fish, with Willingham’s being a double and the only extra base hit on the day for the Marlins.

On Sunday, the Marlins will have a chance to knock the Mets out of the playoffs, or at least force them to play a one-game playoff on Monday depending on the result in Milwaukee.   The Mets will send Oliver Perez to the mound.  Starting for the Marlins in their final game of 2008 will be Scott Olsen.