Fish Win Series With Walk-Off

On Sunday, the Marlins edged the first place Phillies by the score of 3-2 in 11 innings giving them a crucial series win.   By taking two out of three games, the Marlins moved to within a half-game of Philadelphia in the National League East.   This game saw stellar pitching by the fish bullpen following up on a quality start by Josh Johnson.   Despite being held at bay by Phillies’ starter Cole Hamels nearly all game long, the Marlins’ pitchers gave the offense a chance to mount a comeback and eventually grab the win.

Johnson was making his first home start since September 2006 and did a great job allowing only two earned runs in six and two thirds innings of work.   The righty walked three and struck out four while showing poise on the mound in a pivotal game.    The relievers pitched the next four and a third innings and did so in shutout fashion allowing only one hit.   Doug Waechter was credited with the win when he escaped a bases loaded jam in the top of the 11th.

The first two runs of the game for the Marlins came courtesy of home runs.  Jeremy Hermida hit his 12th of the season, and his second in two games.   Cody Ross added the other which was his 16th of the season tying the game in the eighth inning when it looked as if Cole Hamels could throw a complete game.    In the 11th inning, the fish loaded the bases with nobody out for Jorge Cantu.   The third basemen delivered with a deep flyball bringing home Alfredo Amezaga with the winning run.   The run batted in was Cantu’s 58th of the season.

The Marlins start a series with the Atlanta Braves on Monday as they send Chris Volstad to the mound to make his first career start at home.  The Braves will send Jorge Campillo to the hill.