Each clubhouse slugged three homers, but the Miami Marlins bullpen hold the Kansas City Royals without a hit.
The Miami Marlins matched the Kansas City Royals' power, each team smashing three home runs, but they put the ball in play more to secure a 9-6 win and the series on Wednesday.
Eury Perez didn’t have it going early. In 4.2 innings, he allowed nine hits and six earned runs, including three home runs, and struck out three batters. The 23-year-old hadn’t allowed more than two home runs in a single game this season until tonight. The Marlins bullpen didn't allow an extra hit or run and combined for three strike outs as the offensive production picked up.
Cade Gibson (3-1) was credited with the win and closer Calvin Faucher receives his third save of the season.
First Inning
The Marlins immediately flipped the scoreboard first as left fielder Heriberto Hernandez was hit by a pitch, then shortstop Otto Lopez hit a ground ball to left field, which got away from left fielder John Rave, allowing the first run of the game and a triple. First baseman Kyle Stowers kept the early rally going with a single to extend a 2-0 lead.
After three outs, the Royals wasted no time responding.
Catcher Carter Jensen slugged Perez’s 85.6-mile slider in the left-middle of the strike zone 414 feet deep into the stands at right field. Shortstop Bobby Witt Jr. singled, then right fielder Jac Caglianone doubled to drive in the tying run.
Designated hitter Salvador Perez showed he still has plenty of power left in the tank. The 36-year-old slugged a 98-mile four-seam fastball low in the strike zone 392 feet deep into the stands at left-center field.
Third baseman Nick Lofton was walked, then second baseman Michael Massey doubled to drive the Royals an extra run, ending the first inning with a 5-2 lead.
Third Inning
Stowers took a run back by slugging Noah Cameron’s 86.6-mile slider in the left-middle of the strike zone 410 feet deep into the stands at center field. He cut the Marlins’ deficit to two.
Fourth Inning
Jensen’s power returned to the batter’s box and slugged an 88.8-mile changeup 398 feet deep into the stands at right field to regain the Royals’ three-run lead. He’s second on the team with 21 home runs on the season, only behind Caglianone’s 23.
Fifth Inning
Second baseman Jared Serna walked, then catcher Joe Mack singled to give the Marlins two runners on base, which would tie the game or retake the lead with a homer. Hernandez doubled, which was enough to drive in one run.
Cameron struck out three consecutive batters to contain the Marlins’ surge and keep them trailing by two runs.
Sixth Inning
Jose Cuas took over the mound, but couldn't hold off another "Fighting Fish" rally.
Third baseman Javier Sanoja singled, then center fielder Jakob Marsee walked, and pinch hitter (right fielder) Griffin Conine singled to drive the Marlins a run. Serna hit a sacrifice fly to center field, which was far enough to tie the scoreboard.
Cuas was replaced by Connor Thomas afterwards.
Hernandez nearly added another home run to his team-leading 22 on the season. However, Thomas' cutter was short by inches from going over the center field wall. Hernandez settled for a double and drove in the go-ahead run.
Ninth Inning
Sanoja and Marsee slugged back-to-back solo homers off reliever Alex Lange to give the Marlins extra insurance
Next Up
The Marlins advance to a 71-69 record and have an opportunity to sweep the Royals on Thursday and first pitch is scheduled for 7:40 p.m. E.T.
Anthony Aguirre covers the Miami Hurricanes, Miami Heat, and Miami Marlins for Roundtable Sports. Contact info for tips/info: [email protected] & 305-987-3290 | Follow on Instagram/X: @AnthonyA_Sports
