Greatest Moments in Marlins History: #65 Miami Gets the Strikeout
April 4, 2012; Miami, FL, USA; Banners featuring Miami Marlins players from left including starting pitcher Josh Johnson , shortstop Jose Reyes , pitcher Anibal Sanchez and right fielder Giancarlo Stanton are seen in the hallway leading to the playing field before the opening day against the St. Louis Cardinals at Marlins Ballpark. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports
Welcome back to the Greatest Moments in Marlins History. We have been talking a lot about strikeouts recently, but when did it all begin for the Miami Marlins? For moment 65 we take you back to April 4, 2012 and the first strikeout in Miami Marlins History.
We enter the top of the 4th inning: the Marlins are down to the St. Louis Cardinals 3-0 in the first game ever as the Miami Marlins and in their brand new stadium. Josh Johnson is on the mound, and to his first batter this inning, Jon Jay, he gives up a single. Up comes Daniel Descalso. Daniel already drew a walk earlier in the game; little did he know he would later become a part of Marlins history. Josh starts this at bat a little sloppy with 2 balls, but answers back with a strike that Daniel just lets go by him. With the count now 2-1 Daniel is not going to let the 4th pitch go by him. He fouls it off, brining the count to 2-2. Pitch 5 is another ball and we are now looking at a full count. Pitch 6 looks good but somehow Daniel gets wood on it and sends it foul too. Josh is still working a full count with the 7th pitch at this bat coming up. Josh throws that ball and Daniel lays off it for a strike 3 looking! This became the first strike out in Miami Marlins history.
A little fun fact, that strikeout was also part of a double play when Jon tried to steal second and was tagged out. This strikeout is the first in Miami Marlins history, but what about the first strike out in Florida Marlins history? Join me next time to read all about it.