Miami Marlins: Three reasons the Marlins are winning other than Giancarlo Stanton

Miami Marlins winning close games

One of the most encouraging parts of the Miami Marlins recent success is their ability to win close games. Throughout the month of August, they’ve managed to answer back when the other team scores, and hold on to a lead when they have one.

Since sweeping the Colorado Rockies, the Marlins are 13-3 overall. Nine of those games have been decided by three runs or fewer, Miami has won them all. The margin for error is small the rest of the season if the Marlins want to make the playoffs. Winning close games is essential.

After spending most of the year on the short end of the stick when it came down to the wire, the Marlins are suddenly finding ways to win. The previously mentioned 9-8 victory over the Phillies was prime example. The Marlins trailed by as many as five runs during that game.

Winning close games is a team effort. The lineup, the starting pitcher, and the bullpen all have to do their job. They’ve been doing it, and it’s showing up in the boxscore.

The three games the Marlins lost over their recent run were out of hand fairly early on. Those games are often easier to swallow than nail-bitters that come down to the last out. Winning in extra innings against the Padres on Saturday was huge for morale.

It’s the kind of games the Miami Marlins have learned to win recently. If it continues, they’re poised for October baseball.