25-year Marliniversary: Marlins stun Mets with 3-run ninth

For the 1998 Florida Marlins, wins were few and far between. The Marlins finished a franchise-worst 54-108, the worst record in baseball. Along the way, however, there were some victories to feel good about.

On this day 25 years ago, Florida scored three runs in the ninth at Shea Stadium to stun the New York Mets, 7-6.

After Edgardo Alfonzo’s double pushed the New York lead to 6-4 in the bottom of the eighth, the Marlins came to the plate in the top of the ninth on Sept. 18, 1998, needing two runs to tie. Against closer John Franco, the Marlins pushed across three runs to take the lead.

Kevin Orie started the rally with a single to center before Ryan Jackson legged out an infield hit of his own. Luis Castillo struck out on a full count before Mike Redmond’s infield single loaded the bases one pitch later.

With just one out, Todd Dunwoody capped a big day at the plate with a game-tying two-run single. Redmond was able to make it to third on the throw home. One pitch later, Edgar Renteria put Florida ahead for good with a sacrifice fly.

Matt Mantei worked around a lead-off single to pitch a scoreless ninth and collect the save. Brian Edmonson earned the win.

Dunwoody finished 3-for-5 with three RBIs and a pair of runs scored in the victory. Orie also had three hits and two runs scored. Dunwoody, Orie, and Cliff Floyd each hit solo homers for the Marlins in the victory. John Olerud went 3-for-3 with a solo home run for the Mets in the loss.

During a season to forget with a young roster, the comeback win would serve as the final road victory of the season for the Marlins. It came courtesy of a three-run ninth inning on this day 25 years ago.

Photo courtesy of Getty Images

Mike Ferguson is a contributor for Fish on First, who covers Miami Marlins history. Follow Mike on Twitter @MikeWFerguson