The Marlins slid previous the Cubs in Recreation 2 of the NL wild-card collection. (Picture by Nuccio DiNuzzo/MLB Photographs by way of Getty Photographs)

Throughout MLB’s busy wild-card collection, we’ll hold you up to date proper right here on outcomes, must-see moments and what’s subsequent in every matchup.

Recreation 2: Miami Marlins 2, Chicago Cubs 0

What occurred? The Miami Marlins, the staff nobody anticipated to make the playoffs this yr, have knocked off the Chicago Cubs and superior to the Nationwide League Division Collection.

In a season filled with surprises for Miami — some good and a few unhealthy — sweeping the Cubs definitely lands within the good class. That this comes after a season stricken by a coronavirus shutdown the place the Marlins had been simply on the lookout for heat our bodies who may fill a uniform is much more astounding.

Nothing about this looks like a fluke. The Marlins pitched nicely Friday, obtained clutch hits and executed key defensive performs en path to a 2-Zero victory. It follows a 5-1 win in Recreation 1 that was additionally decidedly tilted towards the Marlins.

These Marlins are a punchline no extra. They obtained by a COVID scare and at the moment are a legit playoff risk.

On Friday, they obtained a fantastic outing from 22-year-old Sixto Sánchez, who pitched 5 scoreless innings, struck out six and had seven pitches that exceeded 100 mph on the radar gun.

The sport was scoreless till the seventh inning, however the Marlins obtained on the board when Garrett Cooper hit a solo homer off Cubs starter Yu Darvish (who had been nice till that time). The Marlins tacked on their second run later within the inning when Magneuris Sierra singled in Lewis Brinson.

The Cubs threatened within the ninth, when Jason Heyward knocked a lead-off double. However Marlins nearer Brandon Kintzler managed to maintain them off the board.

The win continues a stat you’ll probably hear extra of within the coming week: The Marlins have by no means misplaced a postseason collection of their franchise historical past.

What’s subsequent? The Marlins advance to face their NL East rival Atlanta Braves, who swept the Cincinnati Reds. The Braves come into the collection with a bonus, having received the season collection with the Marlins 6-4. However the postseason is a distinct beast. The Braves bats got here alive in Recreation 2 towards the Reds, however the Marlins pitchers have proven they’re prepared for October battles.

Story continues

Recreation 1 is slated for Tuesday on the postseason bubble web site in Houston at Minute Maid Park. A time for first pitch hasn’t been introduced but.

You see this? A key second got here within the fourth inning when Matt Joyce made the proper throw to chop down at Cubs run on the plate. It stored the Cubs scoreless and allowed the Marlins to not play from behind.

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