Why Marlins Sweeping Phillies Was Meaningful to Conine

MIAMI, Fla. – Following a 12-game losing streak, the Miami Marlins responded with a series sweep over the Philadelphia Phillies. It’s a strong start to climbing back up the National League standings – two games behind the final Wild Card spot. In two games of the series, Griffin Conine delivered with meaningful at-bats that could turn the season around.

On Monday, the score was 7-7 heading to the bottom of the ninth. The Marlins loaded the bases and Conine walked in the batter’s box. On a 2-1 count, one out, he singled to right field for the game-winning run batted in. On Wednesday, the Marlins faced a six-run deficit. However, the “Fighting Fish” climbed back with eight unanswered runs, including Conine’s two-run homer to take the lead and not look back in the bottom of the eighth.

The 29-year-old was a pinch hitter on Wednesday, which proved to be a game-changing decision. Following the victory, Conine emphasized how a sweep rather than only winning the series was an “exclamation point.” He alluded to not seeing many fastballs when stepping in the batter’s box.

Phillies right-handed reliever Jonathan Bowlan threw a changeup, which Conine was expecting, or a slider, to deliver the Marlins’ lead-taking two-run homer. Jeff “Mr. Marlin” Conine, Griffin’s father, was in the stands on Wednesday. He burst with excitement as soon as the ball left the field.

Conine mentioned how “tense” it would be to come off the bench and pinch-hit. However, the “loose” work in the batting cages helps him to better prepare for those situations. Conine is an outfielder who can play on the left or right side. 

“I know [Bowlan] throws a lot of heaters,” Conine said. “The way I’ve been pitched lately, I am not seeing a lot of those. … I was probably leaning a little more on either changeup or slider error, so something I wanted to start up."

The Marlins have depth among the group, especially once Owen Caissie returns from a rehab assignment, which helps to preserve him throughout the season.

It’s been over a month since Conine was reinstated from the 60-day injured list. He suffered a left hamstring injury, which needed surgical repair. After an extended absence, Conine returned to the field in late June. He will likely play in a part-time starting role for the rest of the season.

Conine’s two late-game at-bats are a representation of the Marlins’ resiliency. Despite the 12-game losing streak, the playoffs still aren’t far from reach. The Marlins will face another division rival, the New York Mets, for a four-game series at Citi Field.

“It’s vintage Marlins,” Conine said. “More of what we're all about -- fighting up and down the lineup, and guys starting to swing it more just individually, coming out of slumps.

Sweeping the Phillies established momentum for another critical stretch. The Marlins haven’t found much success on the road, 21-31 currently on the season. However, the clubhouse could be on the verge of completely turning over a new leaf.