Miami Marlins Close Out Series Against Rockies With A Win

July 25, 2013; Denver, CO, USA; Miami Marlins starting pitcher Nate Eovaldi (24) delivers a pitch in the first inning against the Colorado Rockies at Coors Field. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports

Wow, what a game! Although it is very sad to admit, as a fan of the Miami Marlins we aren’t really treated to great games. But game 4 of this 4 game series against the Colorado Rockies had a little bit of everything. From great pitching, a near 2 hour rain delay, a wild pitch, a home-run, errors, and a nail biting 9^th inning, this has easily been one of the more exciting Marlins games of the season.

The first seven innings of this ballgame were probably not too exciting for someone who enjoys high scoring, fast paced baseball games. But for someone like me, it was the perfect game; a pitching duel. The game featured starting pitchers Nathan Eovaldi and Juan Nicasio. Although both of these pitchers haven’t exactly had great seasons so far, they surely pitched great today. During the first 7 and a half innings of the game, the two starting pitchers shutout the opposing offenses, while only allowing a combined 5 hits and 13 strikeouts.

Things didn’t start to get interesting until after the 1 hour and 33 minute rain delay, as the Marlins came out as the team that seemed to have taken advantage of the delay. Colorado reliever, Adam Ottavino, came in to take over for Nicasio in the eighth and his struggles were immediately evident. With Brantly on third and Dobbs on first, Ottavino through a wild-pitch giving Brantly an easy path to home while allowing the first run of the ballgame.

Although the Rockies were able to limit the Marlins to just one run in the 8^th, they were unable to stop the Marlins in the 9^th, as the Marlins were able to drive in 4 runs, 2 of them coming off of a Donovan Solano home run with two outs remaining.

Coming into the 9^th inning with a 5-0 lead, the Marlins had to have been feeling good about themselves, however, that feeling quickly changed as the Rockies took advantage of Kevin Slowey’s lack of activity over the past few days. The Rockies came out and quickly scored two runs, before Marlins manager Mike Redmond decided to pull the plug on Slowey’s night, in favor of Steve Cishek. Even with a new pitcher coming in, the Rockies were still rolling on towards a great comeback, scoring a quick run off of Cishek. Although Cishek gave up a run, it wasn’t earned. It didn’t take long for Cishek to put a close to Colorado’s rally, getting Jonathan Herrera to ground into a double play to close out the game and the series.

In my opinion, the player of the game goes to Solano. Throughout the game he made great defensive plays, while going 1-4 with a home-run and two RBI’s. Throughout this 4 game series, Solano has arguably been the Marlins most consistent player, providing them with both great offense and defense.

The Marlins now look to carry over their momentum over to the next series as they take on the second place Pittsburgh Pirates.

Thanks for Reading!