MIAMI – The Miami Marlins continued their recent surge on Thursday, defeating the Minnesota Twins 4-1 to clinch their fourth consecutive series win, a run highlighting a significant turnaround for the National League East club. The victory at loanDepot park was powered by a crucial early home run from rookie sensation Agustín Ramírez and a dominant pitching performance from young right-hander Eury Pérez.
Agustín Ramírez, who has quickly established himself as a potent offensive force, connected for a two-run home run in the first inning off Twins starter David Festa. The towering drive traveled an estimated 425 feet, providing the Marlins with an immediate lead they would not relinquish and setting the tone for the afternoon contest.
Marlins Extend Winning Streak Momentum
The win improved the Marlins’ season record to 39-46. More impressively, it marked their 10th victory in their last 12 games, a stretch that included a remarkable eight-game winning streak that helped propel them back into contention within the division standings. Following this series triumph over Minnesota, Miami finds itself tied with the Atlanta Braves for third place in the NL East, signaling a shift in momentum after a challenging start to the season.
Beyond Ramírez’s power display, Xavier Edwards contributed significantly to the Marlins’ offense. Edwards singled twice during the game and also successfully stole a base, adding valuable baserunners and putting pressure on the Twins’ defense.
Pérez Delivers Dominant Outing
The pitching story for Miami was undoubtedly Eury Pérez. The young right-hander, making his return to form, delivered his best outing of the season. Pérez pitched six masterful innings, allowing just one hit while striking out a season-high seven batters and walking only one. This stellar performance earned Pérez his first win since June 25, 2023, underscoring his potential impact on the Marlins’ rotation as they aim to climb the standings.
Facing Pérez, Twins starter David Festa (2-3) also pitched six innings. Festa allowed five hits and four runs, matching Pérez’s strikeout total with seven, but ultimately took the loss, primarily due to Ramírez’s early home run.
Bullpen Secures the Win
Following Pérez’s departure after the sixth inning, Cade Gibson entered the game in the seventh for the Marlins’ bullpen. Gibson surrendered the Twins’ only run of the contest when Matt Wallner hit a solo home run. However, the Miami relief corps held strong, culminating in Ronny Henriquez recording his fifth save of the season to seal the 4-1 victory.
Ramírez Leads Rookie Power
Agustín Ramírez’s first-inning blast was his 13th home run of the season, placing him atop the leaderboard for all major league rookies in that category. In addition to leading in home runs, Ramírez also leads all MLB rookies with 29 extra-base hits, showcasing his ability to impact the game with significant power and drive. His emergence has been a key factor in the Marlins’ recent offensive success.
Game Details and Pitching Matchup
The decisive moment came early with Ramírez’s two-run homer off Festa in the initial frame. Festa battled through six innings, surrendering the crucial early runs but otherwise keeping the game within reach before the Marlins’ bullpen took over. Pérez’s ability to limit the Twins to just one hit through six innings was pivotal, effectively neutralizing the Minnesota lineup for the majority of his start.
The lone bright spot for the Twins came in the seventh inning when Wallner connected off Gibson, but it was not enough to mount a comeback against the surging Marlins.
Ronny Henriquez’s fifth save solidified the victory, underscoring the reliability of the back end of the Miami bullpen in high-leverage situations.
Looking Ahead
The Miami Marlins’ ability to secure their fourth consecutive series win speaks to the resilience and improved play the team has demonstrated over the past two weeks. The combination of strong starting pitching, timely hitting from players like Ramírez and Edwards, and effective bullpen work has been instrumental in their current success. As they continue their push in the tightly contested National League, maintaining this level of performance will be crucial for their aspirations in the NL East. The recent stretch has injected significant optimism into the club and its fanbase.
