Greatest Moments in Marlins History: #20 The Wild No-No

Sep 29, 2013; Miami, FL, USA; Miami Marlins starting pitcher Henderson Alvarez (right) celebrates with teammate left fielder Juan Pierre (left) after throwing a no-hitter to defeat the Detroit Tigers 1-0 at Marlins Ballpark. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports

Welcome back to the Greatest Moments in Marlins History. We come back to number 282. That number could go up in 2014, with all the great pitching there is in the Majors. Who knows, maybe a Marlin player will be 283; but for right now 282, the last no hitter, belongs to a Marlin. Moment 20 brings us to the last game of the 2013 season, September 29, 2013: Henderson Alvarez’s no hitter walk off.

On September 29, 2013 28,000 plus fans took their seats at Marlins Park. Two of those people were me and my wife. The day started out great as we got our magnet calendars for 2014, and we were chosen for the free upgrades to be moved to behind home plate. They also gave us a gift bag full of cool Marlins gear. Before the first pitch our day was made. Little did we know we were going to be a part of history.

The 1^st inning started off normal as Alvarez got the first two batters to groundout. The next batter was Prince Fielder, who got hit by the first pitch he saw. I looked at my wife and said my typical joke “there goes the perfect game” and laughed it off. Next batter hit a lazy pop fly to left field. In the 2^nd, 3^rd, and 4^th inning Alvarez would go 1-2-3 to keep the no hitter intact. The 5^th inning felt a lot like the first inning with Alvarez getting the first two batters out, but instead of hitting the third batter, he reached on an error. The next batter would groundout to have the no hitter go into the 6^th. Here’s where things get weird from a fan’s point of view.

Ok, I’ve been to countless baseball games, and when a no hitter goes into the 6^th you hear all the mumbles of “he has a no hitter”. One game we went to in New York the Yankees had a no hitter going into the 6^th when my wife said “hey the A’s don’t have a hit yet.” Everyone around us moaned when they heard her say that. Next batter, singled up the middle. Today was different, everyone was enjoying the game and talking mostly about this being the last game of the season. The 6^th, 7^th, and 8^th went by quickly as Alvarez went 1-2-3 again. In the 9^th Alvarez got the first two batters out, and walked the third, but struck out the fourth batter for a full game no hitter! Wait, the Marlins haven’t scored a run either? Off to the bottom of the 9^th.

Justin Ruggiano was first up for the Marlins. He would ground out for the first out of the inning. Next up was Giancarlo Stanton, and he had more luck as he shot a line drive single. The winning run was now on base. Logan Morrison moved Giancarlo to 2^nd with a single of his own. There were now runners on 1^st and 2^nd with one out. Adeiny Hechavarria came up to the plate. Hech grounded out but not before a wild pitch was thrown allowing Lomo and Gaincarlo to advance. Runners on 2^nd and 3^rd with two outs and up came Chris Coghlan. Chris had a battle at the plate, getting the count to 3-2 and on the 8^th pitch of the at bat he walked. Bases loaded 2 outs and Greg Dobbs was up with Alvarez in the batter’s circle. Alvarez didn’t stay there long as the first pitch Gregg saw was wild and running home was Giancarlo for a crazy wild pitch, walk off, no hitter win!

What a game! I was so happy to be there to witness that crazy outcome. There are plenty of crazy and great moments left in this countdown, join me tomorrow as we finally make it in to the teens.