FLIP THAT M.
I love this team so much.
They go down, then look like they're going to win, then they give up a few runs and make it close, then BAM ballgame Marlins win.
It's a wild, wild ride (seemingly every single game) but honestly I wouldn't trade it for anything. Just over one full season into my Marlins fandom and I've never been more invested in anything sports-related so quickly.
Looking at the game itself, there were a LOT of good things to take away from it.
Sandy was good. Five strikeouts over 6.1 innings. Not his best work, but if this is his average I'll take it.
Garrett flipping Cooper. Finished one for three on the night, but it's the one that matters. It was that PERFECT solo shot to left field. It was exactly what was needed for the Fish to get going. If this is what a healthy Cooper looks like then I can't wait for what's next.
The bullpen didn't start out how we as fans would have liked (Okert giving up a run), but the rest of the game was pretty darn good. Bass got the final out of the seventh. Sulser got the eighth. Then Bender, even though he allowed two hits, picked up the save. Maybe the bullpen is alright after all. As I mentioned on Twitter, I love relievers. They have to go into (basically) every game with the mentality that they'll pitch that night, sit out in the pen waiting for the call to get ready and then the call to go on. Then they have basically one shot to get it right...if they mess up they rarely get a chance to redeem themselves. That's asking a lot of the staff and putting a LOT of pressure on them. Other than closers, relievers are usually the most unheralded part of any club. We need to show them more love.
Staying on the topic, I want to show more love for Anthony Bender. He spends parts of three seasons in the farm systems of Kansas City and Milwaukee before heading to Indy Ball. Specifically, the American Association. I'll ALWAYS have a soft spot for the AA as I spent almost three years covering one of their teams, the Winnipeg Goldeyes. After the 2020 season with the Milwaukee Milkmen, he makes the 2021 Marlins and posts an ERA of 2.79 over 61.1 innings. THEN he gets to start 2022 as the closer for Miami. You can't help but root for the guy.
Then there's Jesús Sánchez. The kid is just dynamite. He went 2/4 at the plate with an RBI. On the season (six games / 24 at bats) he's hitting .292 with seven hits, four RBI and two home runs. Out on the field, he hasn't been REALLY tested yet IMO, but I think the Marlins have their CF of the future (not to mention a future all star / super star).
The Fish are now 2-4 on the season. Could easily be 6-0.
Buckle up, kids. It's going to be a wild ride.