The Marlins wrapped up their season on a high note Sunday afternoon against the Pirates. I heard it was a great game. However, since Dish Network and Fox Sports decided that three days before the end of the baseball season would be a swell time to end their working relationship, I'll just have to take everyone's word for it. Not that I'm filled with bitterness and anger or anything. Or rage.
Dan Uggla got right down to business for the Fish in the bottom of the first when he belted his 33rd homer of the season, a two-run shot off of Brian Burres to give the Marlins the 2-0 lead.
The Pirates would get back one of those runs against Anibal Sanchez in the top of the second, when Ronny Cedeno hit a solo shot to cut the Marlins lead in half. That was the only earned run Anibal would allow in the game. He went six strong innings against the Pirates, striking out seven and allowing just four hits.
In the top of the fifth, Pittsburgh added an unearned run. Adam LaRoche walked, Jason Jaramillo singled, and a fielding error by Emilio Bonifacio allowed LaRoche to advance to third. With two out, Andrew McCutchen singled him home to tie up the game.
The Marlins didn't waste any time in reclaiming the lead. In the bottom of the sixth, Uggla and Gaby singled, andUncle Wes followed with a drive to left that hit the wall and deflected back onto the field. It was initially called a three-run homer, but after review was ruled a double by umpire Joe West. The call set the stage for a dramatic end to the season for Edwin Rodriguez, who was tossed for arguing that two runs should have been awarded on the play, since Gaby likely would have scored from first. (Edwin is uncertain of his future with the Fish, and naturally wanted to go out with a bang to give the fans something to remember him by.)
Danny capped off his day and his season with an RBI double off of Sean Gallagher in the bottom of the seventh, which put the Marlins on top 5-2. He was 3-for-3 in the game with a walk and 3 RBI. Uggs was sent out for the eighth inning, but only long enough for a double switch to be made. Boni replaced him at second, and the switch gave the home crowd a chance to cheer Danny's career season with a standing ovation as he walked off the field, a fitting end to 2010 for the second baseman.
Burke Badenhop, Leo Nunez and Clay Hensley all pitched scoreless innings to deliver Anibal's 13th win of the year, and the Fish closed their losing season on a winning note.
If you missed the game for the same reason I did, please direct all hate mail to president@dishnetwork.com. Or give Fox Sports a ring at 314-246-7000. I think I speak for all Marlins fans who are also Dish Network subscribers when I say &^%! I$*&# #^%^&@ ^%#$% @^*#^ $#*& %$!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! @$%&!