The Best Ricky Nolasco Moment

Jul 3, 2013; Atlanta, GA, USA; Miami Marlins center fielder Justin Ruggiano (20) celebrates a three-run home run with second baseman Donovan Solano (17), and starting pitcher Ricky Nolasco (47) in the fifth inning against the Atlanta Braves at Turner Field. Mandatory Credit: Daniel Shirey-USA TODAY Sports

Ricky Nolasco.

A Marlin player that will be remembered for the rest of the franchises’ days. He came to the team in a trade for Juan Pierre, who eventually became his teammate this year, and once he got the opportunity to make a name for himself, he took advantage of it. There are a lot moments in Nolasco’s tenure as a Marlin that easily be put as the best.

• His 2009 Opening day start against the Nationals.
• His 16 strikeout performance.
• When he broke the Marlins franchise strike out record.
• When he broke the Marlins franchise win record.

Etc. Etc. Etc.

He was a good Marlins player and he always had a professional demeanor when he came to play. His first year he fought for a spot. His last year he taught the spot. However the best game Ricky Nolasco had as a Marlin came when he was rookie. When he was one of the rising stars of the league.

When he threw that two hit shutout against San Francisco in 2008

Ricky Nolasco had just performed his way into the starting rotation after starting the year in the bullpen as a middle reliever. Nolasco had a number of wins under his belt but his rookie year would be defined on August 19, 2008.

Nolasco came in hungry. He wanted to face this Giants team and win, he wanted to cement himself as one of the best pitchers not only on the Marlins rotation but also in the league. So on this night he was on fire.

Nolasco no hit the Giants all the way up to the sixth inning when first baseman Mike Jacobs couldn’t catch a line drive single. The Marlins were easily winning the game but Nolasco was masterful. The Giants couldn’t get any type of offense of Ricky as he sent them down one by one. Ricky seemed unearthly when he was pitching. I had never seen such a pitcher in command of a game. He was so good that he really deserved the no hitter. The only mistake in the game was a double in the top of the ninth. How did Ricky respond? By retiring the next two batters easily.

He had other games where he pitched like a beast, but this one was his first. His first truly dominant performance. His first taste of stardom in the Majors. He even got a two run double in the game to help him out. To give himself a cushion to watch the dissecting of the Giants offense.

I will never forget that performance and he may be a little older but he still has the capability to throw dominating performances.

Nolasco were gonna miss you. We hope do well with your new team. We all at Marlin Maniac wish you the best of luck with the rest of your career.

Tell us what your favorite Ricky Nolasco moment was in the comments!