Griffin Conine’s clutch ninth-inning single snapped a devastating 12-game skid, reigniting the Miami Marlins' postseason hopes as Jakob Marsee and the resilient clubhouse shift focus toward a crucial Phillies series.
MIAMI, Fla. – Following 12 consecutive brutal losses, the Miami Marlins returned to the win column on Monday night. In the first of three games against the Philadelphia Phillies, a division rival, it couldn’t have started on a less encouraging note. Nine-time All-Star Bryce Harper slugged a two-run homer to take an early lead.
The Marlins immediately responded with two runs to tie the game and took the lead with three more added to the scoreboard in the second inning. Right fielder Griffin Conine started the charge with a solo homer. After three scoreless innings, the Phillies responded with four runs at the top of the sixth. It appeared the Marlins allowed the game to slip away until a three-run rally in the ninth prevented a travesty.
Following the final play, center fielder Jakob Marsee gave an immediate reaction to the 8-7 “much-needed” victory. He alluded to how the clubhouse didn’t lose confidence, even when the lead slipped away. Marsee didn’t doubt Conine’s clutch gene – hitting a single with the bases loaded to bring home the game-winning run batted in.
The 25-year-old finished with two hits in three at-bats, including a run batted in double in the second inning. It could be what helps Marsee get out of another offensive slump. He played in 10 of the Marlins’ 12 games during the losing streak. Marsee batted .148 with a .406 OPS, including four hits in 27 at-bats, and eight strikeouts.
It’s no secret the second-year major leaguer has struggled offensively. However, the center fielder’s glove is arguably what’s kept him from getting sent down. He currently has a 1.000 fielding percentage – 232 putouts and four assists in 236 total chances. If Marsee’s bat can be consistent for the rest of the season, it gives the Marlins a fighting chance to reclaim the final National League Wild Card spot.
For Tuesday’s matchup, the Phillies’ probable starter is righty Aaron Nola. The 12-year veteran has pitched in 108.1 innings this season so far, with a 3-8 record and a 5.82 ERA. Marsee has shown promising flashes against righties this year – batting .207 with four homers and 22 runs batted in, according to Baseball Savant.
The matchup could be what helps him establish further offensive momentum.
In the National League standings, the Marlins are two games behind the final Wild Card spot. Snapping the 12-game losing streak was already a challenge, but staying in the win column will be another.
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Anthony Aguirre is a Miami Marlins beat writer for Roundtable Sports. Contact info: [email protected] | 305-987-3290 | Follow on Instagram/X: @AnthonyA_Sports
