Marlins Close Playoff Gap, Other Marlins Notes

Sep 8, 2014; Milwaukee, WI, USA; Miami Marlins right fielder Giancarlo Stanton (27) celebrates with shortstop Adeiny Hechavarria (3) after the Marlins beat the Milwaukee Brewers 6-4 at Miller Park. Mandatory Credit: Benny Sieu-USA TODAY Sports

Call them the team that just won’t go away. The Milwaukee Brewers found that out first hand on Tuesday night as the Marlins won 6-3 in thrilling fashion.

A tied 3-3 game in the bottom of the 8th inning saw the Brewers load the bases with nobody out against Bryan Morris. Morris was able to escape the jam without allowing a run, seeming to spark the Marlins 9th inning rally. Back-to-back home runs by Casey McGehee and Marcell Ozuna provided Steve Cishek with plenty of room to slam the door.

This win was particularly crucial as both the Pirates and Braves lost and Miami moved up to 3.5 games out of the Wild Card spot. They still have 2 more games left in Milwaukee, against a Brewers team that is in the midst of a free-fall.

Stanton ties home run record:

Regardless of whether Giancarlo Stanton signs with the Miami Marlins for the long-term, he has certainly left his mark on the franchise as a whole. Stanton clubbed his 154th career home run on Monday night, tying him with Dan Uggla for the Marlins franchise mark.

With a handful of games remaining, it is almost a foregone conclusion that Stanton will be the Marlins franchise leader before this season is over. If Miami can sign him to an extension, Stanton could be the best Marlin in franchise history. Hopefully he will value that during contract negotiations.

Jacksonville Suns advance:

The Jacksonville Suns are already in playoff mode as they defeated the Mobile BayBears 3 games to 1 in a best of 5 series to advance to the Southern League Championship Series. The 9-1 victory secured the South Division championship and leaves only one more hurdle for a championship.

The Suns face the Chattanooga Lookouts in a best of 5 Championship Series that kicks off on Wednesday night. The first 2 games will be in Chattanooga, TN, with the final 3 games scheduled for Jacksonville. We will keep you posted as the Suns play bonus ball.