I don't want to sound like a broken record, but there's more positives I'm taking away from tonight's loss than there are negatives.
As Tweeted about, if it wasn't for the umpires the Fish could have swept the Halos. That's DESPITE the fact that they scored a combined five runs over the two games. That's DESPITE the fact that Jorge Soler and AvisaÃl GarcÃa (arguably the two biggest off-season acquisitions) didn't contribute a dang thing. That's DESPITE the fact that Jesús Aguilar (top offensive player in 2021) didn't contribute anything.
What else good came from this game?
Jazz Chisholm Jr. Let's take a minute to appreciate the absolute beauty on the Marlins roster. Before the game, Jazz takes time to make a young fans' day, then plays some warm-up catch with the kid. Class act right there. Then in the game, he had a two-run knock to bring the Fish back into things. All of that is in addition to the STELLAR defensive play from the 24-year-old. He's leading the club with 5 RBI, tied for first with two home runs, is among the team leaders with a batting average of over .300 and has four hits in four games. This team needs Jazz in the lineup EVERY GAME. The Marlins stand a MUCH better chance of winning with him in the lineup than without him. He's only going to get better. Just imagine how big of an impact he'd have if he wasn't hitting out of the eight or nine hole.
I've left the best for last.
Jesús Luzardo.
5.0 innings pitched. Two hits allowed. One earned run allowed. One walk. 12 strikeouts. I don't need to say anything more than that.
Don't get me wrong, having Starling Marte would make this team better both in CF and in the lineup, but with Jesús Sánchez looking like he'll have a breakout year and Jesús Luzardo looking dominant, Miami is looking like the clear winners at this point (especially since Marte decided to leave Oakland in the offseason).
Besides, who doesn't want Jesús x 3 on your side?