Marlins Win Series vs Rays in Inaugural Rivalry Weekend

Rivalry Weekend Recap: Marlins Win In-State Showdown Over Rays
Miami takes 2 of 3 in the Citrus Series during MLB’s inaugural Rivalry Weekend

MLB’s inaugural Rivalry Weekend shined a national spotlight on some of baseball’s most storied matchups—and for the state of Florida, that meant the return of the Citrus Series. The Miami Marlins hosted the Tampa Bay Rays in a three-game battle between in-state foes, reigniting a rivalry that has seen its share of intensity, pride, and shifting power over the years. With a chance to make a statement in front of the home crowd at Loan Depot Park, the Marlins rose to the occasion, taking two of three and reclaiming bragging rights in the Sunshine State.

Game 1: Marlins 9, Rays 4

May 16, 2025

The Miami Marlins opened their first-ever “Rivalry Weekend” series against the Tampa Bay Rays with an emphatic 9-4 victory Friday night at Loan Depot Park. Powered by a 13-hit performance and a relentless attack in the middle innings, the Marlins handed the Rays their 24th loss of the season while inching closer in the standings themselves.

The Marlins broke through in the fourth inning with four runs off Rays starter Taj Bradley. They tacked on four more in the sixth, which ultimately kept the Rays at bay.

Max Meyer (3-4) picked up the win despite allowing six hits and four runs (three earned) over five innings, keeping the Rays off balance with seven strikeouts and no walks. The Miami bullpen followed with four scoreless innings, including two clean frames from reliever Tyler Phillips.

The Rays were led offensively by Chandler Simpson, who went 3-for-3 with an RBI and a stolen base. However, Bradley struggled mightily, surrendering five earned runs on six hits and three walks over four innings. Tampa’s bullpen couldn’t stop the bleeding, allowing four more runs in relief.

Miami’s offensive surge featured multiple contributors: catcher Augustin Ramírez drove in a run and scored twice, Norby had a pair of hits and 3 RBIs, and Wagaman notched a 3-for-4 day with two RBIs. Despite leaving 11 runners on base, the Marlins capitalized on their chances more efficiently than the Rays and ultimately dominated this one.

The Marlins’ Game 1 win set the tone for a weekend that could help define the momentum of their season.

Game 2: Rays 4, Marlins 0

May 17, 2025

The Rays tied the series with a dominant, 4-0 shutout in Game 2 behind a stellar performance from starter Drew Rasmussen (2-4), who tossed six scoreless innings, allowing just four hits and striking out five without a walk.

Marlins ace Sandy Alcantara (2-6) continued his baffling 2025 regression, surrendering four earned runs in the fifth inning alone and watching his ERA balloon to 7.99. Despite a lineup with some signs of life—including a pair of hits from Liam Hicks and Kyle Stowers—the Marlins again struggled with runners in scoring position (0-for-4) and left six men on base.

The Rays got all the offense they needed in the fifth, highlighted by a two-run single from Díaz, an RBI single by Aranda, and an RBI knock from Simpson. Caballero added his 11th and 12th stolen bases of the year, providing an extra spark.

Game 3: Marlins 5, Rays 1

May 18, 2025

The Marlins capped off Rivalry Weekend in style, winning the rubber match with a convincing 5-1 victory over the Tampa Bay Rays on Sunday afternoon at loanDepot park.

Offensively, Miami didn’t waste chances this time. After a quiet start, the Marlins erupted for three runs in the fourth inning—highlighted by a clutch three-run homer from second baseman Otto Lopez, who continues to deliver in big moments. In the sixth, catcher Liam Hicks joined the power party with a two-run blast, his fourth homer of the season, to stretch the lead to 5-1.

On the mound, Cal Quantrill (3-4) turned in another great outing, tossing five innings of one-run ball while striking out six and walking two. The Marlins bullpen was lights-out again, combining for four shutout innings behind Quantrill. Ronny Henriquez, Jesus Tinoco, Calvin Faucher, and Anthony Bender all tossed scoreless frames to close it out.

The Rays, meanwhile, struggled to find offensive rhythm. Starter Shane Baz (3-3) gave up five earned runs on nine hits over six innings and watched his ERA climb to 5.33. The Rays managed just three hits as a team and struck out 10 times against Miami pitching.

Wagaman continued to be a bright spot for the Marlins lineup, going 2-for-3 with a double, a walk, and two runs scored. Hicks had a two-hit day as well, while eight of Miami’s nine starters reached base.

It was a full team win for Miami, who outscored the Rays 14-9 over the weekend and showed signs of putting together a complete effort in all facets. The Marlins head into their next series riding high after a successful Rivalry Weekend showing against their in-state foes.

Weekend Stats & Standouts

Team Totals (MIA):

• Record: 2-1

• Runs Scored: 14

• Hits: 29, .295 AVG

• Team ERA: 2.67

• Bullpen ERA: 0.00 (12 IP, 0 ER)

Top Hitters:

• Eric Wagaman: 6-for-11, 2 RBIs, 1 BB, 3 R

• Connor Norby: 4-for-11, 3 RBIs, .364 AVG

• Liam Hicks: 4-for-8, HR, 2 RBIs, .500 AVG

• Otto Lopez: 3-run HR in Game 3 (3rd HR of season)

Pitching Highlights:

• Max Meyer (W, Game 1): 5 IP, 6 H, 4 R (3 ER), 7 K

• Cal Quantrill (W, Game 3): 5 IP, 1 R, 6 K

• Bullpen (Combined): 12 IP, 0 ER, 8 H, 9 K

  • Tyler Phillips: 2 IP, 0 H, (Game 1)

  • Henriquez, Tinoco, Faucher, and Bender: 4 shutout IP in Game 3

What It Means

The Marlins now sit at 18-27 and seem to be finding their identity behind timely hitting, improved bullpen performance, and flashes of offensive depth. After another rough outing from Sandy Alcantara, the series win was a much-needed boost to morale.

This was more than just a series—it was a statement. For a team searching for consistency, taking two of three from an in-state rival might be the spark Miami needs to flip the switch in 2025.

Up Next for the Marlins

• vs. Cubs (3 games): Miami stays home to face a surging Chicago Cubs team. The Marlins will look to keep their momentum going against a lineup led by Seiya Suzuki and Pete Crow-Armstrong.

• @ Angels (3 games): The Fish then head west to take on the Los Angeles Angels, who are retooling but still dangerous with young talent and a powerful lineup.

• @ Padres (3 games): Miami wraps up the road trip in San Diego, facing a Padres squad loaded with firepower but battling inconsistency.