The Miami Marlins received a solid effort from Tom Koehler in their 9-3 win over the New York Mets on Tuesday.
Koehler has struggled mightily in his career against the Mets, and especially in games played in The Big Apple. The right-hander who is from New York now has strung two good starts in a row against his hometown team. With the victory, Koehler improved to 10-13 on the season to go along with a 3.90 E.R.A.
In this one, Koehler gave Miami six innings of one-run ball. The veteran struck out four and scattered five hits. There was a bit of drama as well for Koehler. In the first inning, a fastball got away from Koehler and hit Yoenis Cespedes. The outfielder glared in Koehler's direction before heading to first base. Later in the game, Mets' reliever Erik Goeddel thew a pitch behind Koehler that led to both benches being warned.
In Koehler's final inning on the mound, the Mets reached base twice with a pair of walks to start the inning. Mike Dunn would enter and strike out three batters in a row to escape the jam. It was one of Dunn's finer outings of the year, and possibly preserved a win for Koehler.
Dee Gordon had a big day with four hits including his third home run of the season. The ball sailed over the fence, giving Gordon two outside the park blasts and one inside-the-park home run this year. Gordon's average is now up to .331 this season, and he remains in contention for the batting title.
Adam Conley will take the ball on Wednesday as Miami tries to win the series.
