Connor Norby delivered a clutch performance Saturday night, racking up three hits including a momentum-shifting three-run homer in the seventh inning, as the Miami Marlins defeated the red-hot Los Angeles Angels 6-2 to end their eight-game winning streak.
Norby’s third home run of the season came on a 1-2 pitch from Angels reliever Caden Dana (0-1), launching a deep shot that broke open a tightly contested game. The blast, part of a three-run seventh, halted a three-game skid for the Marlins and handed Dana his first major league loss.
The win also spoiled a record-setting night for Angels outfielder Taylor Ward, who doubled and scored in the ninth inning. That marked his 10th consecutive game with an extra-base hit, setting a new franchise record.
The Marlins jumped ahead 1-0 in the second inning when Liam Hicks drew a leadoff walk and came around to score on a two-out RBI single from Ronny Simon.
Miami starter Cal Quantrill didn’t stick around long, pulled after just 46 pitches in the fourth inning. The Angels had tied the game 1-1 on a sacrifice fly by Ward, following a double from Zach Neto and a single by Yoán Moncada that put runners on the corners. Ronny Henriquez (2-1) entered in relief and escaped the jam by striking out Jorge Soler to preserve the tie.
A key moment came in the fifth when the Marlins loaded the bases with nobody out in a 1-1 game. José Soriano (3-5) managed to induce a double-play grounder from Kyle Stowers, but a run scored to make it 2-1. Eric Wagaman followed with a clutch two-out RBI single to center to extend the lead to 3-1.
Soriano gave up three runs on seven hits in 4 2/3 innings, while Janson Junk, pitching against his former team, tossed five innings of relief for the Marlins, allowing one run on six hits to earn his first career save.
The Angels’ team-record streak of seven straight games with multiple home runs also came to an end. Despite a ninth-inning rally attempt, Miami’s bullpen held firm, with Junk securing the final outs.
The series finale is set for Sunday, with Miami sending right-hander Edward Cabrera (0-1, 5.50 ERA) to the mound against Angels veteran Kyle Hendricks (2-5, 5.32 ERA).
With Saturday’s win, the Marlins not only halted the Angels’ momentum but also gained a much-needed morale boost as they look to finish the series strong.
