The Miami Marlins dropped the final game of the series to the Atlanta Braves by a score of 7-6. The game was quite a rollercoaster, with each team gaining leads at various points of the game; and after a ninth inning rally to give the Marlins the lead, Marlins closer Dylan Floro was unable to shut the door.
Impressive Start From Rogers
Trevor Rogers took the bump for the Marlins and was able to provide a quality start despite only going five innings. Rogers allowed just three hits and two earned runs, while striking out seven batters. While he was not able to pick up the win, he continues the positive momentum after dominating the Mets in his previous start, a game in which he was able to record six scoreless innings. The two earned runs allowed came in the bottom of the fifth, when superstar Ronald Acuna blasted a two-run home run to left field.
Zach Pop Struggles
Despite a poor performance from reliever, Zach Pop, the Marlins middle relievers were still very impressive. Zach Pop, who came into the game in the sixth inning, was able to go just one inning. In his lone inning, he allowed two hits, one of which was a three-run home run delivered by Pablo Sandoval to give the Braves the lead. Despite the poor performance from Pop, the rest of the middle relievers were flawless as the Braves were unable to record a hit or run in the seventh and eighth innings.
Marlins’ Bats Stay Hot
The Marlins’ bats continued to stay hot in the final game of the series. Miami drew first blood in the second inning thanks to a double from Jon Berti, who would score later that inning from an RBI single by Chad Wallach. Corey Dickerson was also able to record an RBI in the top of the fourth. Center fielder, Starling Marte, joined the fun in the top of the seventh when he blasted a solo home run to bring the Marlins within one run.
Ninth Inning Rally
Despite going into the ninth down by one, the Marlins were able to rally for two runs to secure their first lead since the sixth inning. Adam Duvall was able to stay hot, as he came in to pinch hit for Corey Dickerson. This resulted in an RBI double, then later scored thanks to an RBI single by Garrett Cooper.
Dylan Floro Fails to Shut the Door
Unfortunately, closer Dylan Floro was unable to shut the door in the bottom of the ninth. Floro started the inning by loading the bases, allowing two hits and a walk. After recording a single out, Floro then walked Ozzie Albies, bringing in the tying run for the Braves. The nail on the coffin came immediately after, when Dansby Swanson capped off his 3-for-4 day with an RBI single which drove in the winning run.
Future Successes and Worries
Thursday’s loss brings the Marlins record to 5-7, as .500 continues to elude them. Going forward, Marlins fans will be able to have lots of confidence in their offense as this was their fourth game in a row scoring five or more runs. However, the Marlins will need to find a closer they can trust. This was their second blown save of the season.
Upcoming Series
The Marlins will return home to face the San Fransisco Giants for three games. Daniel Castano will get the ball for the Marlins, facing off against Anthony DeSclafani who will get the ball for the Giants. First pitch is scheduled for 7:10 PM EST.