Marlins beat Braves in Extras

The Marlins-Braves series opener started with the Braves red hot offense continuing their form, but Jose Urena was able to limit the damage getting through 5IP and only allowing 3. Miguel Rojas had himself a day going 4-5 with the game-winning RBI in extras. Brandon Kintzler blew a save in the 9th by giving up an Adam Duvall HR, but he was able to escape with the game going into extras. The Marlins secure the series opener with a 5-4 win.

I had my concerns going into today’s game on Jose Urena’s performance just due to his history against the Braves and his first start coming off the IL. The talent gap between the Alternate Training Site and the Atlanta Braves is immense I am surprised he was able to limit the damage to three.  Tomorrow Sixto Sanchez takes the mound for the first time against the Braves and it will be must watch baseball. The Brandon Kintzler question marks continue for me as I don’t believe he is the best closer, but the only pitcher Mattingly trust in the role right now. It is something to watch moving forward.

Player Of The Game:

Miguel Rojas dominated going 4-5 and I believe he constantly inspires the team on the field. No one expected what he is doing at the plate, but everyone is thrilled about the Captain having his breakout year. The team needs him to continue on this pace and more offense from the rookies to provide Sixto Sanchez the run support to secure the series win.

Scoring Summary:

Jazz Chisholm was put in scoring position on an error from pitcher Ian Anderson in the first as he threw 3 feet over Freddie Freeman on a slap hit from the rookie. Miguel Rojas hit a double in right to score Jazz Chisholm as he continues to have a breakout season at the plate. Jn the third Jon Berti hit a line drive over shortstop to capitalize on another 2 out RISP scoring opportunity. In the 4th Starling Marte was able to capitalize on a Miguel Rojas double and was then knocked in by a Jesus Aguilar single. In the 10th Garrett Cooper was the leadoff runner and after Jon Berti advanced him on a bunt Miguel Rojas was able to secure the game-winner with a double to right.

Quick Thoughts

– Jazz Chisholm playing second base is something to watch moving forward. Miguel Rojas is locked in for next year and after his performance this year you can’t move him off shortstop for the prospect. Second base is open long term so as the season continues it will be something to watch

– Everyone hates Jose Urena, but he showed up today and limited a great offense to 3 runs. This game could have been much worse.

– Miguel Rojas is hitting .375 with a .470 OBP in 19 games. Honestly it’s time to move him to 2nd or 3rd in the lineup.

– Defensive positioning in extras doesn’t matter. Yesterday you saw Miguel Rojas at first today you saw Jesus Aguilar hanging out at third.

Tomorrows action: Marlins @ Braves 7:10PM EST Sixto Sanchez vs Kyle Wright