Miguel Rojas hit a go-ahead, two-run single in the eighth inning as the visiting Miami Marlins halted a seven-game losing streak with a 3-2 victory over the New York Mets on Wednesday night.
The Marlins (65-93) were held to one hit in the first seven innings before stringing together a rally against New York starter Taijuan Walker and Seth Lugo (4-3).
Lewin Diaz opened the eighth with a double to center field, and Walker was lifted after issuing a one-out walk to Eddy Alvarez.
Alex Jackson, who had the only hit off Walker entering the inning, made it 2-1 when he doubled to center off Lugo. After Lugo struck out pinch hitter Nick Fortes, Rojas gave the Marlins a 3-2 lead when he singled in front of right fielder Michael Conforto before he was thrown out trying to stretch the hit into a double.
Miami’s rally spoiled a terrific showing for Walker, who completed his first season with the Mets by losing his final eight decisions. Walker allowed two runs on two hits in a season-high 7 1/3 innings.
Walker struck out five, walked three and threw 90 pitches while inducing a pair of double plays.
Before New York blew the game, it held a 2-0 lead on Conforto’s 13th homer in the fourth and a two-out RBI double by Brandon Nimmo in the fifth that occurred after Walker beat out an infield single.
The Mets (75-83) fell to 19-35 since Aug. 1 after holding first place in the NL East for most of the season.
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Miami’s Elieser Hernandez allowed two runs on six hits in five innings. He struck out six, walked none and threw 65 pitches.
Four relievers followed Hernandez with a scoreless inning apiece. Steven Okert (3-1) was credited with the win when the Marlins rallied, and Dylan Floro struck out two in a perfect ninth for his 13th save in 19 chances.
–Field Level Media