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The Miami Marlins put up their second straight strong offensive performance, this time against the Boston Red Sox at Roger Dean Stadium. The Fish rallied back in a big way against the Sox, climbing back from a 7-1 deficit by scoring five runs in the seventh inning and finishing the game off in the ninth with a walk-off home run by none other than fiery hot prospect Christian Yelich.
Yelich Does It Again
Can Christian Yelich be stopped in spring training? It does not appear to be the case, because he continues to impress the Marlins and their fans with his hot hitting. Yelich started the game off the bench, as Justin Ruggiano was finally able to make a start in center field after missing much of spring training thus far with a strained back. Yelich, however, came through in a big way. He had a hit in three appearances at the plate, but the hit was a big one, as he launched his third home run of the spring in walk-off fashion. The homer came off of reliever Chris Carpenter, noted mostly for not being former Cy Young winner and St. Louis Cardinals pitcher Chris Carpenter.
Yelich's outing today leaves his spring batting line at a highly impressive .375/.487/.813. Sure, 38 plate appearances is not any sample at all, but given the Marlins' dearth of quality players, do not be surprised if the Marlins bring up Yelich by June, especially if he is on an epic Double-A tear. All signs point to a bright and vibrant future for him, and his spring training performance is no different.
Slowey Stands Out
The Marlins did allow seven runs to the Red Sox, but at least one of their pitchers stood out as a potentially useful player in the majors. Kevin Slowey, a non-roster invitee and minor league signing look to snag the fifth rotation spot, did his duty to ensure that this happened. Going by ERA, you would not be impressed with Slowey's three-run outing in three innings, but you should note that his numbers outside of the home run allowed to Jackie Bradley, he pitched well. Slowey struck out five batters while walking two, and for the spring season, he has nine strikeouts in 9 1/3 innings with only two walks. Of the pitchers the Marlins have competing for a roster spot in spring training, his performance has to be right up there with Wade LeBlanc's among the best of the team, and Marlins fans should keep an eye on him as we go forward.