October 4, 20232 yr The Marlins were thoroughly dominated by Zack Wheeler in Tuesday's 4-1 loss to the Phillies. Wheeler allowed one run in his 6.2 strong innings of work, with the lone run scoring in the seventh, ending his night. The right-hander struck out eight and walked none. Miami's innings at the plate often ended quickly, with Wheeler cruising and appearing unbeatable. Miami's lineup was unable to generate much offense against Philadelphia's bullpen after Wheeler left the game. The Marlins managed a total of seven hits in the game and three of those came courtesy of Josh Bell. The first baseman was 3-4 with two doubles and a run scored. Bell was pretty much the only bright spot in this game, though that should have came as no surprise if you read our game one preview. Bell had excellent career numbers against Wheeler in his career, and was able to continue that success in a losing effort. Jazz Chisholm Jr. went 0-4 with two strikeouts and tried to bunt twice in an at-bat in the middle of the game, a decision that drew criticism from some fans. Chisholm was hitting in Miami's cleanup spot and he tried to bunt not once, but twice during an at-bat with two outs already in the inning. It was a baffling decision that caught the ire of those in our game thread, along with scores of others on social media. Chisholm would go on to strikeout during that at-bat, in what was an ugly offensive day for the All-Star. Chisholm did have one highlight however with a fantastic throw from center field to nail a runner at the plate. Jorge Soler was another Miami hitter who struggled, going 0-4 with three strikeouts. Soler was a key part of Atlanta's 2021 postseason run, but that clutch bat was MIA in this game for Miami. Hitting out of the two-slot in the lineup between Luis Arráez and Bell, Soler's lack of production was very evident. If Miami wants to even up the series, it is going to need the 2021 version of Soler to show up for Wednesday's contest. Arráez returned to the lineup after missing most of the final week of the season. The 26-year old was clearly feeling the effects of his ankle injury as he hobbled up the baseline as part of a 1-4 day. Arráez has struggled against Wheeler in his career and that continued in this game, with the batting champion unable to find the holes he normally can locate. Miami's best chance to score came in the seventh inning, when it plated one run. The Marlins had men on second and third with two outs in that inning, but Jose Alvarado slammed a door on the rally attempt. Manager Skip Schumaker called for Yuli Gurriel off the bench as a pinch-hitter to face off against Alvarado, and it ended with a strikeout. Jesus Sanchez was due up in the spot and Gurriel has playoff success in his career, though he has struggled against high velocity in 2023. Alvarado and catcher J.T. Realmuto knew this, and they subsequently pounded Gurriel with cutters in the mid to high 90s. Jesus Luzardo was pulled after four innings and three runs allowed. Luzardo was up against it from the start, with a shaky first inning. Even though Miami escaped that frame with a 0-0 score, Luzardo was forced to work hard and it showed later in the contest. The lefty walked none, but allowed eight hits in the loss. Miami's bullpen for game one featured a combination of A.J. Puk, George Soriano, Huascar Brazoban and Steven Okert. The quartet combined for a total of four innings of one-run ball. That lone run came off Okert in the eighth and put the game more out of reach. Miami needs to win on Wednesday to stay alive in the playoffs and will give the ball to Braxton Garrett. Our full preview for game two will be available later today, and the game will begin at 8:08 p.m. View full article
October 4, 20232 yr 4 hours ago, Admin said: but that clutch bat was MIA in this game for Miami. I am so glad I went to the Panthers-Lightning preseason game instead of watching this. I had a feeling in my gut that we would have no chance against Wheeler, although that could have just been the precursor to the diarrhea I suffered later last night. Sounds like Jazz did something stupid, but also something pretty cool in the field. I'll be watching tonight with zero expectations but will be pleasantly surprised if we force game 3. Go Fish. Edited October 4, 20232 yr by mrchainsaw
October 4, 20232 yr 30 minutes ago, mrchainsaw said: that could have just been the precursor to the diarrhea I suffered later last night
October 4, 20232 yr Author Just now, flsportsfan83 said: Jazz bunting again tonight with a runner on and 2 outs? Hang on, let me go ask him
October 4, 20232 yr 52 minutes ago, Michael said: Great show! That doesn't look like Schitt's Creek to me.
October 4, 20232 yr 5 minutes ago, SilverBullet said: That doesn't look like Schitt's Creek to me. No, but my aforementioned stomach problems did.
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