Martin Prado gets five hits for Miami Marlins, including walk-off double to beat New York Mets
Martin Prado’s career-high fifth hit of the night was the game-winner — a two-out, walk-off double down the right-field line that led the Marlins to a 6-5 win in 11 innings over the New York Mets on Friday night at Marlins Park.
Christian Yelich scored from first on Prado’s hit on a 3-2 pitch from Mets reliever Eric O’Flaherty.
Marlins reliever Brian Ellington (1-0) earned his first career win.
The loss was disappointing to the Mets (74-60), who had their NL East lead over the second-place Washington Nationals cut to five games. The Marlins (56-79) are playing the role of spoilers.
Mets center fielder Yoenis Cespedes had a big game with a triple and a two-run homer, helping New York rally from a 3-0 deficit. The Mets took a 4-3 lead on Cespedes’ homer, but the bullpen could not hold it.
Miami’s bullpen also struggled. Marlins closer A.J. Ramos blew a save in the ninth despite getting the first two outs in the inning before giving up three hits in a row.
Mets first baseman Kelly Johnson tied the score with an RBI single, and that helped force the game into extra innings.
JENNINGS MUM
Dan Jennings said he likes his job — even if it is in peril. Jennings, who took over as manager after the Marlins got off to a 16-22 start and fired Mike Redmond, has been unable to turn the team around.
When asked if there was a meeting held on Friday in which his future as the Marlins’ manager was discussed, Jennings was coy.
“Was there a meeting? I don’t know,” Jennings said. “If there was, I wouldn’t make it for public disclosure.
“My son is texting me and saying, ‘Hey, this is being written …’ Everyone is entitled to their opinion. But not everyone is entitled to the facts.
“Right now, I’m the manager, and that’s what I like. I like the way these guys are playing.”
this and that
▪ Right-hander Jarred Cosart, who hasn’t pitched in the majors since July 4 because of an inner-ear issue that caused dizziness and nausea, returned to the Marlins on Friday.
Cosart, 1-4 this season with a 5.36 ERA, could start on Sunday against the Mets. Another possibility is lefty Chris Narveson, who has a blister on his left middle finger.
▪ Marcell Ozuna on Friday started in right field for the first time this season and just the fifth time in the past two years. Jennings, though, called right field Ozuna’s “natural position.” Ozuna played 36 games in right in 2013.
▪ Yelich, who started in center on Friday, said his preferred position is left, where he won a Gold Glove last year.
▪ Jose Fernandez is set to throw a simulated game soon and is on track for a mid-September return, Jennings said.
▪ Giancarlo Stanton has been swinging a bat, but there is no timetable for his return.
▪ Adeiny Hechavarria, who came out of Wednesday’s game in Atlanta after tweaking his left hamstring, was replaced by Miguel Rojas in Friday’s starting lineup.
Jennings said Hechavarria will be out one or two more days.
▪ Righty Jose Urena (bruised left knee) was activated from the disabled list and will pitch out of the bullpen.
▪ Infielder Donovan Solano was recalled from Triple A New Orleans.
COMING UP
▪ Saturday: Mets RHP Bartolo Colon (12-11, 4.42 ERA) at Marlins LHP Brad Hand (4-4. 4.52), 7:10 p.m., Marlins Park.
▪ Sunday: Mets LHP Steven Matz (2-0, 1.32) at Marlins (TBA), 1:10 p.m., Marlins Park.
This story was originally published September 5, 2015 at 3:34 AM with the headline "Martin Prado gets five hits for Miami Marlins, including walk-off double to beat New York Mets."