Stat Wrap 7/10: Marlins Sweep, Best Break Since 2008

This series was never exactly pretty. But it was the kind of ugly brilliance the Marlins have struggled with all season.

Atlanta. Minnesota. A Philadelphia team they had better figure out in a hurry, given what the second half looks like. Time and again, Miami has struggled to put away the also rans.

They enter the second half having just wiped the floor with one, sweeping their way to the second best first half finish in franchise history. Thanks to a 7-3 victory Sunday afternoon at Marlins Park, the Marlins stand at 47-41, a share of the last NL Wild Card spot in their back pocket.

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The only team to have a better record pre All-Star game won a World Series, and the last team to do it was all the way back in 2008, when a Hanley and Uggla led squad finished five games over. It’s an exciting time to be a Marlins fan.

Giancarlo Stanton has shown all the signs of busting out of his season long slump this week, announcing his forthcoming presence at the Home Run Derby with authority with a tape measure game-winner this afternoon. A team win all the way around, manger Don Mattingly took advantage of the upcoming break and pulled a struggling Tom Koehler early; five pitchers took a turn for Miami in this one, and the bullpen was nearly perfect throughout.

More from Marlin Maniac

• Miami Marlins are pursuing Michael Conforto
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Video coordinator Pat Shine and All-Star Marcell Ozuna came up huge as well, as the Marlins won two challenges and Ozo showed off his rocket arm for the second game in a row.

And now we Stat Wrap:

• Giancarlo Stanton belted his 20th HR of the year, a two-run shot.
• Seven-game hitting streak for The Slugger Formerly Known As Mike.
• Marlins SP Tom Koehler gave up seven hits and three runs in 4 IP.
• The Marlins bullpen gave up two hits in 5 IP.
• Nick Wittgren gave up both of them, but to be fair, he pitched two innings.
• Mike Dunn didn’t give up a hit for the first time in six appearances.
• Love him or hate him, he just passed Braden Looper for all-time appearances.
• Another hitless day for “Not Justin Bour.” Hurry back Big Guy.
• J.T. Realmuto stole two bases in an inning. Think he’ll be a high fantasy pick next season?