Story by
Marlins’ Gusto Looks to Build on Career-Long Start
- Story by
- Marlins’ Gusto Looks to Build on Career-Long Start
(Tony Capobianco/Roundtable Sports)
Ryan Gusto will try to carry the momentum from one of his longest starts of the season into Wednesday's series finale between the Miami Marlins and the Arizona Diamondbacks in Phoenix.
Gusto will make his 17th start (22nd appearance) of the season and second career start against the Diamondbacks. He allowed three hits and a walk while striking out four over four scoreless innings in an 8-0 Marlins win on June 10 in Miami.
Advertisement
Gusto is coming off a career-high six-inning outing against the Los Angeles Dodgers on Sept. 11, where he allowed two runs on five hits, walked three and struck out three in a 6-2 loss. Gusto has gone at least six innings eight times in his career, posting a 4-4 record with a 3.75 ERA and a 1.08 WHIP. With an overworked bullpen, the Marlins will need him on the mound for as long as possible.
Gusto seemed to have turned his second big league season around in August, when he posted a 1.88 ERA in six starts. It was a big step forward compared to July, where he posted a 5.60 ERA in six appearances.
Getting ahead in the count has also been important for Gusto. Opponents are hitting .191 against him when he gets to an 0-2 count and .195 in all two-strike counts.
While it's still hard to understand the difference between success at night and in the afternoon, Gusto seems to be at his best in primetime. He has a 2.95 ERA through 55 innings in 11 starts at night, compared to a 6.94 ERA in five starts and one relief appearance during day games.
Advertisement
Gusto has also posted a 4.45 ERA in six starts and nine total appearances on the road.
Fish Bites
With their 4-2 win over the Diamondbacks in extra innings, the Marlins bullpen now has 10 wins against the National League West this season.
Javier Sanoja enters the game with a career-best 15-game on-base streak. He has slashed .377/.406/.656 since Aug. 31.
Jakob Marsee has a .439 on-base percentage so far in September, which is the sixth most among NL hitters.
Since making his MLB debut on May 4, Joe Mack is tied for second among big league catchers with 23 caught stealings.
Prospect Watch
Jupiter Hammerheads first baseman Echedry Vargas was named the Florida State League's Most Valuable Player and an FSL All-Star on Tuesday. He led the league in hits (121), batting average (.323), home runs (27), RBI (94), slugging percentage (.611), OPS (.983), and extra-base hits (52).
The Hammerheads look to secure the FSL Championship in a winner-take-all Game 3 against the Tampa Tarpons on Wednesday night at Roger Dean Chevrolet Stadium in Jupiter.
