Jonah Bride contributes 2 RBIs as Marlins secure sweep with 3-1 victory over Blue Jays

In the regular-season finale, the Miami Marlins secured a 3-1 victory over the Toronto Blue Jays, completing a three-game sweep. Jonah Bride stood out by reaching base three times and knocking in two runs, while Otto Lopez, facing his former team, contributed with two hits and an RBI.
Pitcher Ryan Weathers delivered a solid performance, allowing only one run and three hits in 6 1/3 innings. He earned his second consecutive win, walking two batters and striking out six. Anthony Bender sealed the victory by getting the final four outs, claiming his first save in five opportunities.
The defeat marked Toronto’s eighth loss in their last nine games, concluding September with a dismal 7-17 record. The Blue Jays manager, John Schneider, made an interesting lineup change by placing slugger Vladimir Guerrero Jr. in the leadoff spot, aiming to boost his chances of reaching 200 hits for the season.
Although Guerrero fell short of the milestone with 199 hits, fans showed their appreciation by giving him a standing ovation when he was substituted by pinch runner Nathan Lukes. This marked the end of Toronto’s disappointing season, finishing with a 74-88 record, their worst since 2019.
In comparison, the Marlins ended the season with a 62-100 record, a significant drop from their 2023 performance when they secured an NL wild-card berth. Despite a strong finish to the season, winning five of their last six games, Miami couldn’t replicate their previous success.
The game also saw Marlins bench coach Luis Urueta managing in place of Skip Schumaker, who was absent due to a family medical issue. Jake Burger, with 29 home runs, was placed at the top of the Marlins’ lineup and scored a run in the first inning.
Bride’s two-run single off Blue Jays opener Ryan Burr set the tone early in the game. Bride also walked in the sixth inning, advancing on a single before scoring on Lopez’s double.
In roster moves, the Blue Jays recalled LHP Brandon Eisert from Triple-A Buffalo and sent RHP Yariel Rodríguez to the Spring Training Complex.
Looking ahead, the Marlins will kick off their 2025 Spring Training against St. Louis on Feb. 22, while the Blue Jays will host the New York Yankees for the 2025 Grapefruit League schedule on the same day.