Greatest Moments in Marlins History: #73 The Season of the Saves

March 28, 2013; Jupiter, FL, USA; A close up view of an official major league baseball in the hands of a fan seeking autographs during the spring training game between the Miami Marlins and the St. Louis Cardinals at Roger Dean Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brad Barr-USA TODAY Sports

Welcome back to the Greatest Moments in Marlins History. Last time we talked about Steve Cishek’s consecutive save record, but what about the Marlins’ single season save record? For moment 73 we bring you Armando Benitez’s 2004 season.

After winning the World Series in 2003 and losing our closer Ugueth Urbina to free agency, the Marlins were looking for a closer for 2004. On January 6, 2004 Armando signed with the Marlins. His first save would come on Opening Day against the Montreal Expos. He did give up a home run that inning, but calmed down to secure his first save of the season. Armando would go on to only blow 4 saves the entire season, but none probably hurt more than the one on September 24, 2004 against the Atlanta Braves. This save would have tied the record for single saves in a Marlins season held by Antonio Alfonseca and Bryan Harvey. Never to fear, he would tie that record soon enough.

On September 27 Armando would get another chance to tie the record when he came into the bottom of the 9^th with a 4-1 lead against the Expos. He went 1-2-3 in the inning to tie the record at 45. He wouldn’t take as long to then pass the record. The next day, once again in the bottom of the 9^th against the Expos, Armando came in with a 5-2 lead. He gave up a double but that was it. He set the record at 46 saves.

Armando would get one more save that season to set the Marlins record at 47 saves in a season. He also tied the season high for the most saves out of any pitcher that year with Jason Isringhausen that year. How about another pitching record for the next moment? Join me tomorrow and find out which one it is.