Dateline: Browns Chapel
The Marlins took the field on a very hot and humid Saturday afternoon. Even in October it was 91 degrees on the field. The Marlins jumped on the Yankees starter with a quick walk to Dave. Ricky smashed a shot to short center, but the Yankees second baseman made a great catch. Kevin walked and and Andrew grounded out to third to force Dave. This reporter notes that in just one inning the Marlins bat looked MUCH more lively. Kevin stole third and scored on a wild pitch and the Marlins had an early 1-0 lead. Andrew struck out the side on 11 pitches and the Marlines rejoiced.
In the second Peyton drilled a single to right but the Yankees started managed to slip past the remaining batters. The Mets jumped on Andrew for a couple of cheap runs but Andrew worked out of jam with the bases loaded and only one out by striking out the final two batters in the Yankees lineup. After two it was Yankees 2 Marlins 1.
The coaching staff appeared nervous, the players were ready to go out and play. In the third the Marlins scored three runs and were helped by key hits by by Ricky and Andrew. Matthew came on to pitch for the first time and he walked the leadoff man, struck out the next batter and walked their third batter. A cheap single loaded the bases with only one outs. On an ensuing wild pitch, the runner on third tried to score but David Riddle made a great play at the backstop, flipped to Matthew who was there way before the runner. The runner tried to retreat to thrid but Matthew ran him down and the message was sent. Scoring on wild pitches was not going be easy. Matthrew struck out the next batter to end the inning. The tide was sufficiently turned and the score after three was Marlins 4 Yankees 2.
In the 4th the Marlins added a run on a walk to Dave and key single by Kevin. Matthew again loaded the bases in the bottom of the inning and again got out of the jam with two big strikeouts to end the inning. After four it was Marlins 5 Yankees 2.
In the fifth the Marlins poured it on with four more runs on a series of walks and in the sixth it was more of the same with a big triple by Kevin leading the way. Dave, secure in his job as the Marlins closer, came in and shut down the Yankees to secure the victory. Dave faced seven batters and struck out six of them. The Marlins sailed to a 13-2 victory.
Coach Goldstein said “I am very happy with our progess. I especially liked how our players came back after a tough loss.” Coach Grossman, again available only briefly said “We played well in every facet of the game. Our hitters are really looking much more confident at the plate and I look forward to seeing everyone improve next week Our pitching staff is really starting to add some depth now as Matthew looked fantastic on the mound, Andrew is really starting to be consistently successful, Dave has been unhittable and we still have Mitchell coming off the DL, and Peyton, and Kevin in the bullpen. Its going to be a challenge to get all of our fine pitchers some innings, but we will find a way to do it. Its a great problem to have. “.