Pete Fairbanks continues fall from grace, spoiling another Eury Pérez gem

The Marlins of two weeks ago were riding a high that had eluded them for the better part of two decades. Fast-forward to July 19 and they have done a complete 180, dropping their season-worst sixth consecutive game in their 3-1 loss to the NL Central-leading Milwaukee Brewers.

As has been the case amid a resurgent season for the franchise, Pete Fairbanks played the role of the heel. The embattled Marlins closer allowed a leadoff single to Jackson Chourio, then a walk to Brice Turang before catching Andrew Vaughn looking for the first out. Fairbanks went ahead in the count 0-2 against William Contreras, but couldn't put him away. He hung a cutter to Contreras on the sixth pitch of the plate appearance, resulting in a walk-off, three-run home run.

"Losses hurt, but going through a season, stretches like this happen," noted Marlins manager Clayton McCullough. 

The Marlins were defeated only twice in walk-off fashion prior to the All-Star break. The Brewers doubled that total this weekend—Garrett Mitchell delivered the game-winner on Friday in the bottom of the 10th inning.

Amid this losing streak, the Marlins have hit just .199. They bookended the Milwaukee series by scoring one run apiece in the opener and the finale. All of the offense for the Marlins on Sunday came courtesy of a third-inning solo home run off the bat of Esteury Ruiz.

Outside of the perpetual rain clouds currently hanging over the club, Sunday saw continued signs of growth from Eury Pérez, who allowed just one hit over six scoreless innings. In seven starts dating back to May 22, the 23-year-old has allowed just five earned runs over his last 39 ⅓ innings pitched (1.14 ERA). 

The Marlins have tumbled to just four games over .500 at 52-48. They're in a virtual three-way tie with the St. Louis Cardinals (51-47) and Pittsburgh Pirates (52-48) for the NL's final wild-card spot.

Looking Ahead

The Marlins will travel to the Lone Star State, where they'll open up a series on Monday against the Houston Astros. Janson Junk (4-5, 4.57 ERA) will make his second start since returning from injury. Ronel Blanco (3-4, 4.10 ERA in 2025) will take the ball for the first time in 14 months following Tommy John surgery, 

First pitch from Daikin Park is slated for 8:10 EST/7:10 CDT.