Seattle Mariners at Miami Marlins

When Marlins right-hander Janson Junk addressed the media following his injury diagnosis on May 31, the ballclub was hours away from reaching its season-low point in Queens. What a difference six weeks make for the hottest team in baseball. Junk tossed five solid innings in his return from the 15-day injured list in the club's 8-4 win over the Mariners on Thursday night at loanDepot park. Miami (52-42) has won a season-high-tying six in a row to improve to 10 games over .500 for the first time since July 17, 2023. The Marlins also matched their winningest single-season 20-game span in club history (16-4 record, also done Aug. 14-Sept. 8, 2004). Miami's seventh sweep of the season -- tied with the reigning two-time World Series champion Dodgers for the most among National League clubs, per the Elias Sports Bureau -- helped push them to an MLB-best 26-8 since June 1. “That was the biggest thing, just getting back with the team and being a part of this winning ballclub,” Junk said. “It’s just exhilarating. It makes coming to the field that much better. Seeing the way the boys were playing, it was unfortunate I was seeing it from afar, but I was so excited for them, seeing the way they were rolling, and I couldn't be more excited getting back with the team. “I think that's the overall message of the day is getting back to the team. We're winning, we're playing good ball. Fundamentals are great, timely hitting, good pitching. Everything is going in a good direction right now, and I'm so happy to be a part of it.” Junk, who was placed on the IL with right shin bone inflammation on May 28, allowed two runs (one earned) on three hits with a season-high four walks and five strikeouts. Junk retired eight of the final nine batters he faced to conclude his 79-pitch outing. Things didn’t look promising early, as Junk issued back-to-back walks to open the game. But he induced a double play and struck out Cal Raleigh on a foul tip to end the threat.