Marlins Spring Training Opening Game Recap

The Miami Marlins new look offense showed off its muscle in the top of the first, even without several starters. The Marlins had 2 hits and 1 walk that helped them produce 2 runs including RBIs by both Bryan De La Cruz and Jesus Sanchez. Ryan Weathers put away the first two batters quickly after giving up back to back hits allowing one run. Nick Fortes ended the inning on a nice back pick of Nolan Gorman who danced too far off first base. 

Marlins' prospects solid in first Spring Training game of 2024

Marlins left fielder Bryan De La Cruz had himself a game when he hit his second double of the game in the 3rd inning with the bases loaded, picking up where he left off last year. De La Cruz at that point had 2 doubles, 1 run, and 4 RBI and was responsible for all 5 Marlins runs. 

Ryan Weathers was inconsistent for his start going 2 innings and giving up 2 runs, 3 hits, 1 walk, and striking out one. The defense however, saved Weathers 2 outs and a run, with Nick Fortes’ back pick to end the inning and a De La Cruz to Edwards to Fortes relay to get the potential 3rd run of the game.  Hoeing took over and went 2 innings and gave up 1 run, 2 hits, 1 walk, while striking out 3. 

Newly acquired Marlin Tristan Gray, who Bendix brought over from the Rays, hit the first Marlins home run of the season with a first pitch laser over the right field fence (105.3 EV, 355 ft.). A bevy of Marlins minor leaguers went quietly in the 5th after a Victor Mesa, Jr. double. 

The Marlins showed some rust in the 5th as Josh Simpson hit the first two batters he faced and then Austin Roberts’ first pitch was a wild pitch. Ross Banfield couldn’t find the ball and Roberts didn’t point it out and 1 runner scored. The Marlins then ended the inning with a 5-4-3 put out, when 3rd baseman Jonah Bride threw the ball to Jacob Amaya on second, even without a runner on first, and then Amaya relayed the throw to first for the out. 

Declan Cronin had a solid inning of work in the 6th. He threw 11 strikes on 19 pitches and allowed no hits while walking one and striking out one. Victor Mesa, Jr. had a solid afternoon with 2 doubles and 1 run scored. Griffin Conine also had a solid day with a single and a double, with one RBI. Jeff Lindgren also had a solid inning of work in the 8th, giving up just one walk and striking out one. Lindgren struggled in the 9th but finished out the game giving up 1 run.