Cubs walk 6 in the 9th to give the Marlins the victory; Florida Marlins vs. Chicago Cubs

Going into the top of the 9th the Marlins were trailing the Cubs 2-0. Anibal Sanchez started for the Marlins and gave up a solo home run to Cubs' Marlon Byrd in the 2nd inning. Steve Cishek, came in relief for Anibal in the 7th, gave up a single to Geovany Soto to load the bases and then hit Darwin Barney on the 1st pitch bringing in a run.

With a 2-0 lead the Cubs put Carlos Marmol on the mound to get the save. Marmol walked Mike Stanton, Mike Cameron, and John Buck (replaced by a pinch runner in Dewayne Wise at 1st). Greg Dobbs came in to pinch hit in the pitchers spot with the bases loaded, he fought off 7 pitches and on the 8th pitch he delivered a hit (double) to right field which brought in 3 runs. (Brett Hayes replaced Dobbs at 2nd). Marmol then walked Emilio Bonifacio which was the last batter he saw as he was replaced for Kerry Wood. Wood then walked Omar Infante. Gaby Sanchez brought in Hayes on a sacrifice fly to left field. Hanley Ramirez hit a RBI single to put the Marlins on top 5-2. Kerry Wood was then replaced by James Russell. Russell got Logan Morrison to ground out, which moved runners to 2nd and 3rd and intentionally walked Mike Stanton, who lead off the inning with a walk. Mike Cameron then hit his 2nd hit with the Marlins bringing in Infante, and Hanley tried to score but was out at the plate for the 3rd and final out of the top of the 9th.

Leo Nunez came to close out the game with the Marlins leading 6-2. Nunez gave up a lead off bunt single to Tony Campana and a single to Geovany Soto. Brett Hayes with a passed ball that scored Campana. Darwin Barney grounded out, pinch hitter Reed Johnson struck out, and Kosuke Fukudome was struck out looking.

Marlins start the 2nd half with a wild 6-3 victory over the Chicago Cubs.

Marlins finally win!; Los Angeles Angels vs. Florida Marlins

The Marlins coming into this Tuesday night game versus the Los Angeles Angels for the 2nd game of their 3 game interleague series were 1-19 in the month of June. Today being the first day of summer the Marlins are 1-0 in summer.

Gaby Sanchez gave the Marlins an early 1-0 lead in the bottom of the 1st with a solo shot to left with 2 outs. Omar Infante brought in another run in the bottom of the 2nd on sac fly which Greg Dobbs scored on, 2-0 Marlins. Bottom 6, RBI double by Mike Stanton makes it 3-0 Marlins. Mike Stanton strikes again in the bottom of the 8th with an RBI single and Infante singled in a run as well 5-0 Marlins. The Marlins would keep the 5-0 lead until the top of the 9th. Jose Ceda came in relief for Burke Badenhop for his first appearance this season in the majors and he gave up 2 runs after striking out the first 2 batters. Leo Nunez came into relieve Ceda and walked his first batter and then struck out Russell Branyan for the final out and give the Marlins the 5-2 win.

Javier Vazquez started the game and received the winning decision has he pitched 5.1 innings allowing 10 hits but no runs, walked none, and struck out 4. Angels starter Ervin Santana received the loss as he pitched 5 innings giving up 2 runs (earned) on 5 hits, walked 1, and struck out 6.

Chris Coghlan sent down to Triple-A

Chris Coghlan has been in a slump this season with the Florida Marlins. He has started in 65 games (of 69 games) and has an average of .230 with 62 hits in 269 at bats with 26 extra base(s) hits. The last 10 games Coghlan has an average of .171 with 6 hits in 35 at bats. He had been bumped out of the leadoff spot when Hanley came back from the DL and was put in the 8th spot which was suppose to take pressure of him. He continued to struggle even there.

Dewayne Wise was signed to a minor league deal to play in Triple-A and was given Coghlan's roster spot and is starting in center in tonight's game in Tampa. To make room for Wise on the 40-man roster the Marlins designated Dustin Richardson, relief pitcher in Triple-A, for assignment.

I think this is a good move. Cogz is in a major slump and was losing confidence. Sending him to the minors where he won't have as much pressure on him and he can get his swing and confidence back in check.

Marlins swept in Philly; Florida Marlins vs. Philadelphia Phillies

A day game to finish off a 4 game in 3 days series in Philadelphia. The pitching match up was Javier Vazquez vs. Cliff Lee. Coming into the game it was obvious Lee was the better pitcher and well... he showed it as he pitched a complete game shutout. Lee lost the perfect game early by walking Gaby Sanchez in the lead off spot in the 2nd and he lost the no-hitter on a Mike Stanton 2-out single in the 5th. Cliff Lee's only non 1,2,3 innings were the 5th and 6th innings. Lee also helped himself as he went 2-3 with a single and an RBI double bringing in the 1st Phillies run in the 4th.

The Marlins only had 2 hits, singles from Mike Stanton and Logan Morrison. Stanton was left on in the 5th after he singled and Logan Morrison was out in a double play (by Jose Lopez) in the 7th.

Ryan Howard hit a opposite field solo shot to give the Phillies a 2-0 lead in the 5th and Jimmy Rollins hit an 2-out RBI double in the 6th.

Phillies won 3-0 Cliff Lee the win and Javier Vazquez the loss.

Marlins lose a heart breaking double header in Philly; Florida Marlins vs. Philadelphia Phillies

Game 1 was a rematch of a rained out game on April 16th, with the loss in this game put the Marlins on the losing side of the April series 1-2.

Elih Villanueva on his MLB debut pitched only 3 innings gave up 5 hits, 8 runs all earned, 5 walks, 2 strike outs, and gave up a 3-run home run to Jimmy Rollins in the 3rd. Villanueva pitch count was at 94 when he was pulled after the 3rd. Brian Sanches pitched 3 innings in relief of Elih, Edwin Mujica pitched 2/3 of an innings (left due to wrist injury), and Burke Badenhop pitched 1 and 1/3 innings all 3 pitchers combined to allow 3 hits (1 per pitcher), no runs, 1 walk, and 4 strike outs.

Phillies starter Kyle Kendrick pitched 7 innings allowing 5 hits, 1 earned run, walked 1, struck out 5, and gave up 1 home run to Logan Morrison in the 1st.

The Marlins only had 6 hits and only 1 was extra bases, the solo home run by Logan Morrison. The Marlins left 9 runners on base as opposed to the Phillies leaving 18 on base.

The Marlins lost 8-1, Elih Villanueva with a loss in his debut and Kyle Kendrick with the win now 4-4 after his 5th start of the season.


Game 2 the Marlins were leading before the bullpen (Leo Nunez) blew the lead in the 9th.

Anibal Sanchez had the win over Phillies ace Roy Halladay. Anibal Sanchez pitched 7 innings allowed 4 hits, 2 runs all earned, walked 4, and struck out 6. Roy Halladay pitched 7 innings allowed 6 hits, 4 runs all earned, no walks, and struck out 8.

The Marlins scored 2 in the 1st inning. Hanley Ramirez lead off with a double, Chris Coghlan moved him to 3rd on a ground ball to 2nd base, Logan Morrison brought Hanley home on a ground ball to 1st base, and Gaby Sanchez hit a 2 out solo home run. Chase Utley helped get a run back on a RBI double in the bottom of the 1st bringing in Jimmy Rollins who was walked in the lead off spot. Top 4th Greg Dobbs hit a 1 out ground-rule double against his former team, Jose Lopez hit a double but couldn't score Dobbs, and John Buck then with still 1 out singled in Dobbs and Lopez to put the Marlins up by 3. Bottom 5 Utley brought in another run on a triple that scored Shane Victorino. The Marlins had a 4-2 lead going into the bottom of the 9th which brought out Marlins closer Leo Nunez. Leo Nunez got the lead off hitter of Domonic Brown to ground out, then gave up a single to Carlos Ruiz, a single by pinch-hitter Ross Gload (replaced by pinch-runner Michael Martinez), Jimmy Rollins lined out to Leo which moved all the runners into scoring position for Victorino's game tying 2 RBI single. 10th inning the Marlins couldn't get on the board and the Phillies with 2 outs got a walk-off RBI single by Ruiz.

Michael Dunn received the loss, Leo Nunez with a blown save, and Ryan Madson with the win.


Marlins are now 32-36, 4 games under .500 and are tied for last place in the NL East standings with the Washington Nationals

Elih Villanueva called up from Triple-A

Elih Villanueva to make his MLB debut on Wednesday during the first game of a double header. The game is a make up from a rained out game on April 16th. He will face Phillies Kyle Kendrick. Kendrick is an actual relief pitcher but has started 4 games due to injury of Joe Blanton.

Elih Villanueva was drafted out of FSU in the 27th round of the 2008 First-Year Player Draft by the Florida Marlins.

Elih Villanueva was an ace in Double-A Jacksonville in the 2010 season. Villanueva started 28 games (179 innings) and had a record of 14-4 with an ERA of 2.26, walked 34, and struck out 115. Villanueva had 4 complete games and 3 shut outs which includes a no-hitter he pitched on a rain shortened game on August 14th versus the Cincinnati Reds Double-A team, Carolina Mudcats. Villanueva was 2nd in Southern League in wins (first was teammate Tom Koehler), 1st in complete games, 1st in shut outs, and 1st in innings pitched. Villanueva received Southern League Pitcher of the Week honors in August, Southern League Mid-Season and Post-Season All-Star, Marlins Organizational Pitcher of the Year, and was a TOPPS Double-A All-Star.

This season Elih Villanueva started in Triple-A New Orleans. Villanueva hasn't had a great start to the season after the great 2010 season and a 2011 Spring Training. He has started in 13 games for New Orleans with an 4-5 record with an ERA of 5.23 in 72.1 innings. In his last start he allowed 4 hits, no runs, walked 2, and struck out 4 in 6 innings.

Marlins win 1st interleague battle; Tampa Bay Rays vs. Florida Marlins

The Marlins fall short of a series sweep versus their interleague rivals the Tampa Bay Rays but still gets the series victory.

In Game 1 on Friday in Sun Life Stadium, the Marlins beat the Rays with a final score of 5-3. The Rays struck first and early with a 2 RBI triple off of Matt Joyce's bat off a pitch by Anibal Sanchez in the top of the 1st with 2 outs. The Marlins were able to get 1 of the runs back off a ground out by Logan Morrison bringing in Chris Coghlan as he lead off the inning with a double. Sanchez makes up for the 2 run 1st with a perfect 2nd, 3rd, 4th, and 6th. Logan Morrison ties the game up at 2 on a lead off home run (6) in the bottom of the 4th off of Andy Sonnanstine and then Mike Stanton 3 batters later, 2 outs later, hit a solo home run (10) to give the Marlins a 3-2 lead. The Rays would score the 3rd run, that tied the game at this point, off of Sanchez in the 7th as Matt Joyce scores off of a Casey Kotchman single. Matt Joyce was able to score due to a triple he hit with 1 out. In the 8th, Hanley Ramirez lead off the bottom of the inning with a single, Logan Morrison then doubled putting 2 runners in scoring position, Gaby Sanchez then hit a sacrifice fly bringing in Hanley to give the Marlins a 4-3 lead, Greg Dobbs was intentionally walked, Mike Stanton sacrificed himself with a fly to 1st baseman bringing Logan Morrison in for the 5th run, and John Buck flied out for the 3rd and final out. Marlins reliever Michael Dunn received the win, Rays reliever Joel Peralta received the loss, and Leo Nunez received his 16th save out of 16 save opportunities.


Game 2 on Saturday in Miami, the Marlins beat the Rays again with a final score of 5-3. The Marlins beat Rays starter David Price as the Rays lost to Marlins struggling starter Javier Vazquez and Leo Nunez picked up his 17th save as he remains perfect and keeps a steady lead for most saves on the season in the whole MLB. Logan Morrison again had another RBI in the 1st inning as he knocks in Emilio Bonifacio and Hanley Ramirez with a double. Another 2 home run night for the Marlins and from some unusual players this season, Hanley Ramirez rocked on out of the playing field for his 3rd home run on the season in the 6th inning and Omar Infante hit his 1st home run on the season in the 7th inning. An awful top of the 8th for the Marlins as they gave up shut out as Michael Dunn went in for relief for Vazquez, walked 2 while getting 2 outs. Ryan Webb came in and walked Evan Longoria loading the bases. Randy Choate came in after Webb faced just Longoria and walked Kelly Shoppach which walked in a run, and then Edward Mujica replaced Choate and gave up a 2 RBI single to Johnny Damon and struck out John Jaso for the 3rd out. The Marlins went through 4 pitchers as they walked 4 batters and gave up 3 runs, Marlins still won 5-3.


Game 3, the Marlins lost to the Rays 4-0. Josh Johnson was suppose to start this game but he was placed on the 7-day DL and Jay Buente was called up from Triple-A New Orleans to make his first MLB start (his MLB debut was last season on May 27th). Jay Buente pitched a good 1st as he only put 1 man on base due to a walk, but in the 2nd and 3rd he gave up 2 runs (the only runs in the game). In the 2nd; Sean Rodriguez and Kelly Shoppach hit back-to-back 1 out singles, James Shields brought in 1 run as he reached 1st due to a fielding error by Marlins 3rd baseman Greg Dobbs, and Elliot Johnson brought in another run as he grounded into a force out at 2nd. In the 3rd; Evan Longoria with 1 out hit a ground rule double, Matt Joyce doubled Longoria in with 1 out, Casey Kotchman tripled in Joyce with 2 outs, Sean Rodriguez walked, Kelly Shoppach hit by pitch to load the bases with 2 outs, and James Shields popped out for the 3rd out and left the bases loaded. Jay Buente got his first decision in his career in the MLB which was the loss after pitching 5 innings allowing 5 hits, 4 runs (3 earned), walked 3, and struck out 1. James Shields received the win as he pitched a complete game allowing 3 hits, no runs, walked only 1, and struck out 13 batters.


The Marlins are 26-19 on the season and still in 2nd place in the NL East to the 1st place Philadelphia Phillies. The Marlins are a game and a half back of the Phillies. The Marlins take on the defending World Champions Giants in a 3 game series in San Francisco next.

Vazquez continues to have issues in the 1st; Florida Marlins vs. Washington Nationals

This was Game 3 of a 3 game series with the Nationals. The Marlins looking for their 2nd sweep of the season.

Javier Vazquez going into the game had an ERA over 10 in the 1st innings of games. Vazquez kept up with his horrendous 1st innings as he allowed 6 runs in the 1st. The Marlins got 2 of the runs back in the top of the 2nd from a sac fly by Mike Stanton bringing in Gaby Sanchez after he reached off an error in the lead off spot and Brett Hayes hit an RBI single bringing in Logan Morrison after he hit a double (that moved Gaby to 3rd earlier in the inning).

The Nationals added another run in the 5th inning virtue of an RBI double from Ivan Rodriguez. The Marlins put 2 more runs on the board in the bottom of the 7th off an RBI double from Greg Dobbs and RBI single from Chris Coghlan. Ivan Rodriguez then scored the last run of the game for the Nationals to put them above the Marlins 8-4 on an RBI single from Roger Bernadina.

Javier Vazquez stayed in the game for 4 innings allowing 7 hits, 6 runs (all earned), walked 2, struck out 4, and received the loss to put him 2-4 on the season. The Nationals starter Jason Marquis received the win as he pitched 6 innings allowing 6 hits, 4 runs, 2 of which runs were earned, walked 1, and struck out 2.

The Fish win the home run derby in Cincy; Florida Marlins vs. Cincinnati Reds

Both the Reds and the Marlins hit a total of 7 home runs for a total of 12 runs. The Marlins had 5 home runs while the Reds had 2. The Marlins win 9-5, all but 2 runs scored virtue of long balls.

In the 1st, Hanley Ramirez hit his first home run of the season, a 2 run shot to left field off of Reds starter Bronson Arroyo and Jay Bruce hit a 2 run shot to right center field off of Marlins starter Ricky Nolasco. (Tied 2-2)

In the 2nd Greg Dobbs lead off with a solo home run to right field (Marlins 3-2). In the bottom of the 6th Reds Brandon Phillips hit his 4th home run on the seasons, a solo shot tieing the game at 3. Top of the 7th John Buck gave the Marlins back the lead with a 2 run home run to right field.

In the 8th Arroyo was replaced by relief pitcher Nick Masset. Masset then gave up a solo home run to Mike Stanton, a massive shot went 442 yards to center field, and a 3 run shot to Emilio Bonifacio, his 2nd MLB home run and 1st home run that left a park).

Marlins lead 9-3 headed to the 9th but as Brian Sanches tries to hold the Reds for a Marlins win he gave up a 1 out back-to-back singles, walks the next, and then gives up a 2 RBI double to a pinch hitter in Chris Heisey. Sanches was then replaced by Leo Nunez who strikes out the 1st batter he faces, walks the 2nd loading the bases, and then gets reigning NL MVP Joey Votto to ground out to the mound for the 3rd and final out.

Leo Nunez recieves the save, his 9th of the season breaks the 3 way tie for 2nd most saves in the league on the season and he now owns sole possesion of 2nd (Huston Street and Mariano Rivera share 1st with 10 saves). Ricky Nolasco (3-0) with the win and Bronson Arroyo (3-3) with the loss.

The Marlins beat the Reds in the 3 game weekend series in Cincinnati 2-1. Marlins are now 17-9 on the season and are a game back of the Philadelphia Phillies.

Marlins score 5 in the 1st as they win after a 9th inning scare; Florida Marlins vs. Cincinnati Reds

The Marlins had 10 at bats and hit for the cycle (the team) in the top of the 1st inning versus the Reds. Emilio Bonifacio lead of the game with a triple. Infante brought Emilio in for the 1st run of the game and long inning while sacrificing himself with a ground out. Hanley Ramirez doubled to right field, his 5th double on the season, Gaby Sanchez was walked by Reds starter Travis Wood and Mike Stanton popped out for the 2nd out. John Buck for the 2nd time in the season took the baseball out of the park, this time a 3 run home run (the other was his grand slam on opening day). The Marlins were up 4-0 at this point with 2 outs. Wes Helms singled to center field and Scott Cousins was walked. Javier Vazquez, Marlins starting pitcher, kept the inning going with an RBI single giving the Marlins the 5-0 lead. Emilio who started off the inning, ended the inning with a ground out to shortstop who got the force out at 2nd to end the long top of the 1st. Travis Wood had 45 pitches in the 1st inning.

The Marlins would get 2 more runs in the top 4th from a 2 RBI single off the bat off Hanley Ramirez bringing in Javier Vazquez (lead off the inning with a single), and Emilio Bonifacio (doubled after Vazquez).

The Marlins, as a team, batted .444 against starter Travis Wood and .176 off the Reds bullpen, Carlos Fisher, Jordan Smith, Nick Masset, and Bill Bray. Lead off man Emilio Bonifacio went 2-5 in the game with a double and triple. Gaby Sanchez went 2-3 with 2 singles and a walk. Javier Vazquez went 2-2 with 2 singles and is batting a respectable .500 (3-6 on the season).

The Reds first 4 runs were off home runs; a solo home run in the 1st by Jay Bruce and a 3 run homer by Jeremy Hermida in the 4th. The game would stay 7-4 until Leo Nuñez would come into close the game off for the Marlins in the bottom of the 9th. Leo got the lead off batter in the 9th out but faced trouble in the next batters to come up. Ramon Hernadez with a 1 out double to center field, Paul Janish then brings Hernadez with Reds back-to-back doubles (7-5 Marlins), pinch hitter in Chris Heisey struck out swinging for the 2nd out, Drew Stubbs singled in Janish (7-6 Marlins), but Leo got Jay Bruce looking for the last out. Leo would still secure the win and a save. Leo is 8-for-8 for saves.

No Reds player had a multiple hit game while the Marlins had 4 players with multiple hits (2); Emilio Bonifacio, Hanley Ramirez, Gaby Sanchez, and Javier Vazquez.

Javier Vazquez (2-2) recieved the winning nod after pitching 6 innings allowing 4 hits, 4 runs all earned, 2 home runs, walking 3, and striking out 3. Travis Wood (1-3) recieved the loss after pitching just 3.1 innings allowing 8 hits, 7 runs all earned, 1 home run, walking 2, and striking out 3.

Dodgers avoid a Marlin sweep in the 10th inning; Los Angeles Dodgers vs. Florida Marlins

Anibal Sanchez's first start since throwing a complete game where he had a no-hit bid going into the 9th. Anibal pitched for 5 innings allowing for 4 hits, 3 runs all earned, 1 home run, walked 1, and striked out 4.

The Marlins scored 4 runs in the 2nd to give them a 4-0 lead thanks to an RBI single by Brett Hayes and a bases loaded 3 RBI double by Chris Coghlan. The Marlins held on to this lead until the top of the 4th where the Dodgers scored 3 thanks to a 3 run home run by Rod Barajas off of Anibal. The Dodgers go on to tie the game at 4 in the top of the 7th as Juan Uribe doubled bringing in Aaron Miles from 3rd. Miles was at 2nd but was awarded 3rd as Ryan Webb balked.

The Marlins looked to have a rally in the 9th as lead off man in Greg Dobbs singled off of Matt Guerrier (Dobbs then replaced by a pinch runner, Osvaldo Martinez), Emilio Bonifacio singled on a bunt, Brett Hayes sacrificed himself and got the runners to 2nd and 3rd with now just 1 out, Scott Cousins struck out, and John Buck came into pinch hit and grounded out to shortstop.

Top of the 10th Brian Sanches came to the mound and allowed a lead off home run to Andre Ethier giving the Dodgers the 5-4 lead. Sanches got the next 3 out in order with a strike out. The Marlins offense couldn't pull off another come-from-behind win as Vincente Padilla came into close for the Dodgers and pitched a perfect 10th. Omar Infante grounded out to shortstop, Hanley Ramirez grounded out to 3rd base, and Gaby Sanchez grounded out to 2nd base to end the game. Brian Sanches with the losing decision, Matt Guerrier with the win, and Vincente Padilla with the save.

Dodgers avoid the sweep and get back to .500 on the season with a record of 13-13 while the Marlins fall to 15-8 and to 2nd place in the NL East as the Philadelphia Phillies won 8-4 versus the Arizona Diamondbacks.

Marlins Beat the Dodgers Dramatically in the 9th

The Marlins strike first in the bottom of the 3rd by a solo home run by Chris Coghlan. The Dodgers answer back in the top of the 4th with lead off single by Jamey Carroll and then 2 outs later Jerry Sands brought him home on a single to center field.

Coghlan hit another solo home run in the bottom of the 6th to give the Marlins the lead back at 2-1. Dodgers again answer back in the next half inning with a ground out that brought in Tony Gwynn Jr. by Aaron Miles and an RBI single by Jamey Carroll to first tie the game and then to give the Dodgers their first lead at 3-2. James Loney hit an RBI single in the top of the 8th to extend the Dodger lead to 4-2. Gaby Sanchez got the Marlins deficit back to 1 with a RBI single with 1 out in the bottom of the 8th bringing Coghlan in, 4-3 Dodgers. Coghlan at this point had scored all of the Marlins runs.

Brian Sanches comes into relieve in the top of the 9th and throws a perfect inning. In the bottom of the 9th Greg Dobbs struck out hitting lead off and John Buck grounded out for the 2nd out, looked like Jonathan Broxton would recieve the save. Broxton then walked Emilio Bonifacio, the Marlins bring in Hanley Ramirez to pinch hit for Donnie Murphy as Hanley had the day off since he had been in a slump, Hanley gets the off the bench single continuing hope for the Marlins, Scott Cousins reached 1st due to a fielding error on Jamey Carroll and the Marlins tieing run in Emilio Bonifacio scored, Broxton intentionally walked Coghlan, and Omar Infante hit a walk off single bringing in the game winning run in Hanley Ramirez.

Marlins win 4-3. Brian Sanches recieved the win and Jonathan Broxton with the loss. Marlins are now 14-7 on the season.

Anibal jinxed out of a no-hitter by MLB Network; Colorado Rockies vs. Florida Marlins

Anibal Sanchez pitched a no-hitter through 8 innings even though the Rockies had a run in the 1st. The run came off an missed catch error on Gaby Sanchez to get a routine out at 1st off an assist from Emilio Bonifacio. Dexter Fowler the leadoff hitter for the Rockies in the 9th ended Anibal's no-hitter with a single. Edwin Rodriguez, Marlins manager, allowed Anibal to finish the game which was the first complete game for any of the Marlins starting pitchers on the season. Anibal recieved the winning decision as the Marlins won 4-1 and as he pitched a 1-hitter.

MLB Network yesterday kept repeating and repeating that Josh Beckett and Roy Oswalt were pitching no-hitters. In the top of the 6th with a lead off single Beckett lost his no-hit bid after MLB Network analysts said 6 times in 3 sentences that he was pitching a no-hitter. After that then they said that Oswalt was the #1 story so since I was angry at them I helped them also jinx Oswalt. Later one of the analysts was talking about a good game a Mariners pitcher was pitching, not a no-hitter, and asked the other analysts not to jinx him too. The host says well he's not pitching a no-hitter, so they know they were doing wrong yet the continued to persistently announce they are pitching a no-hitter instead of using different wording or just showing the box score and circling the 0 hits. They also did the same thing to JJ two times, the 1st game I was able to watch the actual broadcast so didn't have to hear MLB Network jinx him and the 2nd game I was watching a Red Sox game and following the Marlins game on Game Day. So today since the Marlins game was telecasted and I was told that MLB Network was showing the game while Anibal was pitching. So when the Marlins were batting and during breaks all they were saying was Anibal is pitching a no-hitter and showing stats of when he had pitched a no-hitter as a rookie in 2006 vs. the Diamondbacks.

On a side note; Chris Coghlan hit his 5th career lead off home run (2nd home run of the season) and Gaby Sanchez hit his 2nd season home run, both solo shots. Omar Infante went 2-3 who has been a little off offensively, batting an overall average of .233. Scott Cousins started in left field due to Logan Morrison being put on the disabled list after the game last night, he went 0-4 in the game after going 2-4 last night with his first career home run, a grand slam.

Rockies' sluggers Carlos Gonzalez went 0-4 with 2 strike outs and Troy Tulowitzki went 0-3 with no strike outs.


Link to box score- MLB.com: http://atmlb.com/eBpkSi

The Fish almost hit for the home run cycle; Pittsburgh Pirates vs. Florida Marlins

In Fenway Park on April 11, 2011 going into the game a somewhat of a nobody to baseball fans and Tampa Bay fans, Sam Fuld, but after his performance he was being known on twitter by "The Legend of Sam Fuld" has he made several highlight reel catches and almost hit for the cycle. Sam Fuld (in order) hit a home run, double, triple, and another double making him a single short of the cycle.

I think I maybe the only one who thinks it would be cool for a team to hit for the home run cycle, as I call a team hitting a solo home run, 2 run home run, 3 run home run, and grand slam in the same game. Anyways the Marlins were off a 2 run home run for hitting for the "home run cycle." In the 2nd inning, after Gaby Sanchez lead off the inning with a walk, Greg Dobbs then singled, and Mike Stanton walked, this loaded the bases with no outs for Scott Cousins who becomes the hero of the game with taking his first pitch into the right field stands! This was Scott's first home run of his major league career on his 12th at bat of the season, Mike Stanton also hit a grand slam for his 1st home run last season. In the bottom of the 3rd, after Mike Stanton walked with 1 out and Scott Cousins doubled, Brett Hayes hit a 3 run home run to left field. In the bottom of the 5th Mike Stanton lead off with a solo home run, his first home run of the season. Mike's home run was the last run of the game for the Marlins, they lead 9-2 at this point.

The Pirates had a home run of their own in the top of the 2nd, a solo home run by Pedro Alvarez. Marlins starter Chris Volstad was taken out of the game in the top of the 6th after allowing a single and 2 walks with only 1 out in the 6th. Volstad was replaced by Randy Choate. Choate then allowed a RBI single to the first batter he faced. Choate was then replaced by Ryan Webb. Webb also gave up a RBI single, Webb then hit Josh Rodriguez with a pitch walking in a run. All runs scored were put onto Volstad's ERA as they were all placed on base by Volstad. Pirates would make what used to be a 7 run lead for the Marlins to a 4 run lead.

Marlins win 9-5. Chris Volstad got the winning decision despite allowing 4 hits, 5 earned runs (1 home run), walked 3, and striked out 5. Volstad is 1-1 on the season. Leo Nunez went into close in the top of the 9th but it wasn't a save opportunity, therefore no save, but he allowed 1 hit and striked out 1 while clinching the Marlins win. With this win the Marlins are tied with the Phillies for 1st, though the Phillies may retake full possession of 1st with a win in San Diego as their game began right after the Marlins game ended.

Also if anyone uses twitter or cares, Scott Cousins trended worldwide after he hit the grand slam.

Link to box score/videos of the home runs- MLB.com: http://atmlb.com/eZjEEy

Links to Marlins days headlines:
Marlins sweep the Pirates- Marlins.com: http://atmlb.com/fG6dsq
Marlins outfielder Logan Morrison out 2-4 weeks with left foot sprain- Marlins.com: http://atmlb.com/fQhEBA
Cousins may get expanded role- Marlins.com: http://atmlb.com/i9Q3oE

Coghlan powers the Fish over the Nats; Grapefruit League: Florida Marlins vs. Washington Nationals

On an extremely hot day in Viera, Florida the Florida Marlins traveled from Jupiter to play the Washington Nationals in their former spring training home. The Marlins in the 3rd inning took the first lead of the game. National pitcher Ross Detwiler hit Chris Coghlan in the head with a pitch, safe to say this was payback from Ricky Nolasco hitting Nyjer Morgan (who was traded right before the game to the Milwaukee Brewers) and Danny Espinosa, and then on a double by Greg Dobbs with two outs, Coghlan made it home barely safe. The Nationals in the bottom of the 3rd; Ian Desmond with 1 out and no one on tripled to right field and Jayson Werth with an RBI sac tied the game up at 1. Nationals' Michael Morse hit a lead off solo home run in the 6th to give the Nationals a 2-1 lead. Next batter grounded out, then in the 3rd spot (of the inning) Espinosa singled and then stole 2nd and 3rd on Brian Sanches. A wild pitch by Sanches brought Espinosa home to extend the lead to 3-1. The 7th inning was a great one for the Marlins. A lead off single by Scott Cousins started it all. Brad Davis then also singled, and on a bunt attempt by Ozzie Martinez, Ryan Zimmerman made a fielding error allowing the bases to be loaded. The Marlins then put Jeff Dominguez to pinch hit for the pitcher Sanches and he hit an RBI single bringing in Cousins, 3-2 Nationals. Coghlan hit a beautiful line drive to right field which resulted in a 3 RBI triple which gave the Marlins the lead again at 5-3. There was still no outs in this inning when Doug Slaten walked Emilio Bonifacio, who then stole 2nd. With 1 out Wes Helms brought Coghlan home with a RBI sac fly to right field. Which then ended the rally at 6-3 Marlins. In the bottom of the 9th the Nationals scored a run but still fell 6-4 to the Marlins. Brian Sanches got the win for the Marlins, Brian Broderick got the loss for the Nationals, and Daniel Jennings got the save.

Starting line up

Nationals' starting pitcher, Ross Detwiler

Marlins' starting pitcher, Adalberto Mendez

Greg Dobbs at bat. (I just think this photos cool.)

Chris Coghlan clearly makes it safe and the ump agrees.

Rick Ankeil batting. (Also thought this was pretty cool.)

Jeff Dominguez scores uncontested.

Dan Jennings pitching and recieved the save.

Grapefruit League: Florida Marlins vs. Boston Red Sox (Picture Post)

On March 12th, 2011 at City of Palms Park in Fort Myers at 1:05 p.m., I watched my Marlins take on my Red Sox.

This is the starting line up for the game. (The hand is some dad explaining the line up to his kid.)

Adrian Gonzalez's first at bat during his Red Sox debut, which he winded up getting a single off Marlins' pitcher Josh Johnson. He only had one more at bat after which was an sac fly which scored Jacoby Ellsbury.

John Lackey recieved the winning decision after pitching for 4.1 innings allowing 6 hits, 1 run (earned), and struck out 3 Marlins, leaving with an ERA of 1.74.

The starting catcher for the Red Sox, Jarrod Saltalamacchia (such a long name), went 1-for-2; walked in the 1st, struck out swinging in the 3rd, and an RBI single in the 5th off of Marlins' pitcher, Ryan Webb.

Josh Johnson, the Marlins' starting pitcher, left the game with an ERA of 10.00. He pitched for 3.2 innings allowing 9 hits, 5 runs (all earned and 1 was a solo home run), walked 1 batter, and struck 2 batters. Also JJ did not get the pick off of Mike Cameron (#23) and Mike actually winded up stealing 2nd base after this picture.

My favorite MLB player, Kevin Youkilis, didn't do so great during my first Red Sox game. He went 0-for-3; flied out to the short stop in the 1st, grounded out to the pitcher in the 2nd, and flied out to the right fielder in the 4th.

Randy Williams came into relieve Lackey in the 5th inning with 1 out and pitched the entire 6th inning. Williams didn't allow any hits, runs, or walks. He did though strike out 3 batters.

Marlins' starting DH, John Baker, started the game off with an RBI single off Lackey in the 2nd, flied out to right field in the 4th, and flied out to left field in the 7th. John is the only Marlin to get an RBI in the game.

Vinny Rottino and Tim Torres almost collide on a routine infield pop fly.

Matt Fox pitched for the Red Sox in the 8th inning allowing 1 hit and 1 run while walking and striking out 1 batter.

Vinny Rottino in his only at bat, of the game in the 8th, flied out to right field and moved a runner to 3rd.

Osvaldo "Ozzie" Martinez, also, his first and only at bat of the game in the 8th inning made contact but by a fielding error by Red Sox 3rd baseman, Ryan Khoury, got to hold first and bring home Chris Lubanski.

Unpictured Notable Players

Marlins:

Logan Morrison went 1-for-3; struck out in the 1st, doubled in the 3rd, and flied out to left field in the 5th.

John Buck went 1-for-3; singled in the 2nd, flied out in the 3rd, and struck out swinging in the 6th.

Donnie "Bleeping" Murphy went 1-for-3; singled in the 2nd, lined out to 2nd base in the 4th, and struck out swinging in the 6th.

Matt Dominguez, who is fighting for a starting spot with the big league club, went 1-for-3.

Tom Koehler pitched for 2.2 innings allowing only 2 hits, walked a batter, and a strike out.

Red Sox:

Jacoby Ellsbury went 3-for-3; doubled in the 1st, 2 RBI double in the 2nd, and hit a solo home run in the 4th.

Dustin Pedroia went 3-for-3; RBI single in the 1st, singled in the 2nd, and singled in the 4th.

David Ortiz went 2-for-3; 2 doubles.

J.D. Drew went 0-for-3; grounded out in the 1st, lined out to the short stop in the 3rd, and grounded out in the 5th.

Marco Scutaro went 0-for-2; grounded out in the 2nd and flied out to right field in the 4th.

Random Photos

Dustin Pedrioa calling for the ball to avoid a possible collision with the right fielder.

Logan Morrison watching as the ball sailed in to center field in the 3rd inning, which he was able to get a double out of.

Josh Kroeger attempting to catch a ball drilled by David Ortiz that bounced off the wall.

John Baker and Donnie "Bleeping" Murphy signing autographs after they ran during the game.

Our usher singing "Sweet Caroline" even after it shut off and the game resumed he continued to sing another usher tried to get him to stop. It was great reminded me of a usher we have in Jacksonville.

Vinny Rottino falling while making the catch.

Marlins are America's Team of the MLB

The Marlins have sent their President David Samson, Assistant to the President and Hall of Famer Andre Dawson, Special Assistant to the President Jeff Conine, rookie outfielder Logan Morrison, recently signed veteran catcher John Buck, three mermaids, Senior Vice President of Marketing Sean Flynn, Marketing Superadvisor Boris Menier, and John Sulser who works with FS Florida to visit US troops stationed in Southwest Asia and Germany from February 3rd to the 11th. This is the Marlins second year of sending their personnel, current players, and Mermaids over seas to meet our troops.

The members of the group, so far only David Samson, have been posting on an MLBlog their experience. There is also the posts from last years trip mainly from John Baker, one of the Marlins catchers, that went on the inaugural trip.

NFL teams send out their cheerleaders on USO visits, singers have concerts for the soliders, and other celebrities visit the troops. The Marlins earn a whole new respect for doing this to me, I believe every single MLB team should use them as an example and do the same thing. The Marlins don't just send their groups to the main military bases but even to the small platoons that are more dangerous. From what I hear, and could assume, all the soldiers that get to meet them are thrilled and love to be able to talk about sports. I'm sure most of the men are glad to see the good looking Mermaids as well and get their mind off their exteremly dangerous jobs. I hope the members tell them how thankful we americans are for them and for what they do. I know I couldn't do anything in the military but I hope one day I will be able to support them many, many ways and maybe even take a USO trip one day.

If your on twitter, you can get updates and photos by following:
@LoMoMarlins
@FSMarlins
@Marlins
Link to the Marlins website for the trip: http://atmlb.com/heLu01
Link to the MLBlog: http://marlinsvisitthetroops.mlblogs.com/
Link to the FSMarlins site for the trip: http://foxsportsflorida.com/pages/marlins_troops_blog/

Marlins finishing the MLB season with high hopes of the future.

The Marlins won 2 of 3 games in their final series against the Pirates. The Marlins had 15 rookies on the roster at the end of the season: 7 pitchers, 2 catchers, and 6 position players. They had 1 rookie pitcher in the starting rotation, a rookie catcher starting after the main catcher was put on probation and 2 others (rookie catchers) were injured, and 4 starting position players.

The Marlins have tons of great young players developing in the minors and even on the roster now like... Mike Stanton, #27 right fielder, joined the team in June. Stanton finished his first, partial, season in the MLB with a .259 batting average, 22 home runs, 59 RBI, .326 on-base-percentage, and .507 slugging percentage. Logan Morrison, #20 left fielder natural first baseman, joined the Marlins in July due to a celebration injury to Chris Coghlan, #8 left fielder. Morrison finished his rookie season with a .283 batting average, 2 home runs, 18 RBI, and .390 on-base-percentage. Alex Sanabia, #59 starting pitcher, made a good bid to be in the starting rotation again next season. Alex had been called up in July from Jacksonville, then was optioned to New Orleans, and then was recalled in August back to the Marlins. Alex ended the season 5-3, his first lose was because of defensive mishaps, 3.73 ERA, 47 strikeouts, and 1.24 WHIP. Hopefully if the Marlins are smart they start these 3 rookies next season for their sophomore season.

During spring training watch out for Elih Villanueva, Tom Koehler, Ozzie Martinez, Bryan Petersen, Scott Cousins, and other top Marlin's prospects to fight hard for a starting spot. I look forward to the future of the Marlins, filled with many respectable, young players.

I hope all the players to have a good offseason and great spring training, hoping to attend a few spring training games. I'll hope for some to make their way into the Marlins roster from the start.

Links:
Marlins.com: http://marlins.com/
Trio of rookies has Marlins on upswing, by Joe Frisaro: http://bit.ly/aooKcf
Stanton has plenty of clout among sluggers, by Joe Frisaro: http://bit.ly/cWmdJQ

One day winning a championship in Double-A then the next day in 'The Show': Osvaldo 'Ozzie' Martinez

Yesterday, 9/18/10, The Jacksonville Suns won back-to-back Southern League Championships. Three players were called to the Marlins after the game. Chris Hatcher the hero of Game 4 has been recalled while Sandy Rosario and Osvaldo 'Ozzie' Martinez has been called up, for the first time in their career. Hatcher and Rosario are both deserving but I knew Ozzie throughout the season, so this is going to be all about him! This has not been 'offically' announced but it has been released through media, such as FSMarlins, they posted this on twitter "#Marlins recall C Chris Hatcher; select IF Ozzie Martinez (#56) & RH Sandy Rosario (#65) all from AA..."

Ozzie was with the Jacksonville Suns all of 2010 season, he was on the 7 day disabled list from 8/24/10 to 8/31/10. Ozzie hit a .302 batting average 2nd best for the team, 54 RBI 3rd best for the team, .372 on base percentage also 3rd best for the Suns, and .401 slugging percentage 5th best for the Suns. During the playoffs he was hitting a .212 average. Ozzie was selected, and played in, the MLB Futures game the day before the All-Star game in Anaheim, California, he was also selected for the Southern League All-Star game which was right after the Futures game practically, in August he won Southern League player of the week, and he was also selected as a Southern League Post Season All-Star.

I had the pleasure of knowing Ozzie throughout the season, he is a great guy and he much deserves this call up. I'm so excited I hope he remembers the family that sponsored him through the booster club for his first and hopefully only season in Double-A ball.

It is official! Ozzie Martinez is to wear #56 jersey for the Marlins in the major leagues!

Marlins Active Roster: http://bit.ly/9Z6G8L

Marlins Transactions: http://bit.ly/c08joI

Marlins article "Marlins call up Double-A champion trio by Joe Frisaro: http://bit.ly/bTnFoR