Crazy Eight: Four Points From the Miami Marlins 8th Straight Win

Today at Roger Dean Chevrolet Stadium, the Miami Marlins overcame a six-run deficit to defeat the New York Mets, 11-6.

Sandy Alcantara collected seven K’s in only 3 1/3 innings of work, but surrendered all six of New York’s runs on nine hits and a walk. The poor outing increased probable Miami Marlins starter Alcantara’s spring ERA to 4.70.

Alcantara normally has less of a problem allowing hits and giving up too many walks. He had allowed 10 in 12 innings before this outing, and surrendered only six hits in that time. That script got flipped in today’s outing. Fortunately, Miami’s red-hot offense bailed him out with five runs in the fifth, four in the sixth, and another pair for good measure in the ninth. The game was called due to a torrential downpour that had been threatening for most of the game finally opening up with two outs in the top of the ninth inning.

Here’s four things to take home from the soggy mess in Jupiter today.

Birthday Boy Production

Miami Marlins elder statesman Curtis Granderson led off for the Miami Marlins in today’s game, and brought home Rodrigo Vigil and Deven Marrero with a double in the fifth inning to bring the Marlins within three runs at 6-3. Granderson celebrates his 38th birthday as he prepares for his 16th major league season, and his 18th professional season in total.

Anderson Leads the Marlins Bullpen

Nick Anderson joined the Miami Marlins system after the Minnesota Twins traded him for third baseman Brian Schales. Schales has appeared in three Spring Training contests for the Twins, while Anderson has gotten into five for the Marlins.

Anderson has racked up a 0.79 WHIP over 6 1/3 innings of work for Miami, striking out nine batters during that time. In today’s victory, he pitched two perfect innings of relief, tossing the fifth and the sixth, striking out three Mets, and earning the victory.

Rojas is Scorching

Miguel Rojas continued his red-hot opening to the spring. After going three-for-three in this game, with an RBI, Rojas is now 15-for-29, hitting .517 with a 1.120 OPS.

Rojas, who recently turned 30, is starting his sixth major league season, and will likely open this season as the Miami Marlins Opening Day shortstop.

Alvarez’ Late Push for Opening Day

Noted power hitter Pedro Alvarez hadn’t collected any home runs for the Miami Marlins this spring before today’s game. In this one, he hit a sixth-inning three-run shot, which was the eventual game-winner, and a two-run eighth-inning home run for good measure.

Alvarez, who wasn’t really very competitive for a spot earlier in the spring, has come on late. After starting the spring going one-for-15, he has eight hits in his last 14 at bats.

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