The Miami Marlins are both much improved in comparison to their 2022 version and also a bit lucky.
There should be no issue in acknowledging it: they are 43-33 and in second place of the NL East division with a -16 run differential.
It happens sometimes.
However, their win-loss record is not entirely a product of good fortunes.
Quality teams often get a lot of wins in close games, and that has been the case with the Marlins.
Codify Baseball posted a chart with each team’s performance in games decided by a single run.
W/L, 1-run games in 2023:
5-18 MIA
11-4 THOUSAND
16-7 PHI
12-6 TOR
13-8 ATL
12-8 BAL
10-7 PT
16-13 INC
11-9 COL DET
12-10 LAA
10-9 KC
ARI 11-10
12-12 NYM
11-11 CWS
8-8 SF
13-14TB
15-17 CLE
7-8 LAD HOU
10-13 NYY BOS
11-16 OAK
7-11 CHC
8-13 min
8-14 SEA WSH
5-10 TEX
8-16 STL
5-13 SD— Codify (@CodifyBaseball) June 23, 2023
The Marlins have the most wins, with 18, against just five losses.
As stated, luck has a say in these kind of games because they are so close that random factors such as a wild pitch, a passed ball, a key out, an out on the bases, or a pinch-hit appearance can swing the game one way or the other.
Additionally, teams with a mediocre offense often play lots of one-run games, and the Marlins qualify.
Teams with a solid pitching staff such as the Marlins win many close games, and this has been the case this season.
Even without the best version of Sandy Alcantara, the Marlins have a rock-solid pitching staff to keep games close for their suspected offense.
As long as Miami has a poor offense, a great pitching staff, luck on their side, and a solid bullpen, they will likely keep winning lots of one-run games.
Let’s see how far they manage to go with a negative run differential, though.
If they want postseason baseball, they will need to make additions at the deadline.
NEXT:
Luis Arraez Continues To Be On His Own Level In 2023
