Haven't done this in a while, guys, so think one is due.  Especially this one.  Straily did a stupendous job pitching with almost a no hitter.  It wasn't until 8.1 innings that he gave up a hit that really mattered which unfortunately was a home run.  It was his longest outing ever as his previous record was 8.0.  And he got up to bat 4 times! and didn't look like a typical pitcher there.  He was on base 3 times!!  Mucho kudos to Dan.

 

Then we had Giancarlo Stanton hitting a 364' home run opposite field which was only done by one other right handed person (Giant) in the FIRST inning while Dee standing on first.    He continued to be on base a few times more throughout the game.  Not all strikeouts like we have seen in June.  He seemed to have his tempo down, patient at the plate, and his confidence building.  And all this happening before the home run derby. Stanton even got a nice write up at http://www.msn.com/en-us/sports/mlb/marlins-stanton-hits-impressive-opposite-field-hr-at-atandt-park/ar-BBDYTCc?ocid=U305DHP  More kudos for Giancarlo.

 

Then there was Dee who also had an awesome night by his hitting.  I believe it was 3-3 before he had a miss and finished at 4-5.  It seemed like every time he came up to bat, he was running the bases.  (Which was the truth, lol)  And running the bases he can!  Kudos to be given out to him.

 

Realmuto was 3-4! and finishing the night at 303 with the top catcher Posey at 323 on the opposite team.  Shows what Realmuto is now. This year he is a much better hitter than before.  He called a great game with Straily and JT certainly deserves kudos.

 

We got Riddle who was 2-4 which is not superb but he is a rookie and an upgrade hitter in the SS spot.  And for a rookie pretty good at defense. So spread some love there.

 

Yelich is being Yeli, Prado needs some more at bats and was 1-4, hopefully he'll come back, Bour was being this year Bour and not last year with 2-4 and 1 SO. Got to be pleased there. 

 

And really the disappointment at batting was Ozuna with 5 at bats and 0 hits.  He doesn't look bad;  he's just not hitting.

 

Like we would expect the last two outs were scary because the bullpen took over.  McGowan got them, but it was a little rough.

 

This was a game that showed us what we are capable of.  A great pitching performance followed by a tremendous batting performance not needing all the power in home runs.  And great defense.  So............ a boatload of kudos for ALL. 

 

And a great night hanging out on the game thread!!

 

 

Matt Moore will pitch to Stanton on the HRD instead of Pat Shine 

 

 

Good game. Nice to see the players boosting their stats for the fire sale later this month.