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MLB Scores: Marlins 10, Rays 9

The Marlins rode a roller coaster on their way to the first victory of the season.

Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports

On Zombie Night at Marlins Park, the Fish resurrected their offense big time, only to have the bullpen die on them a few innings later. Ultimately, they were able to take the 1st game of the three game series with the Rays 10-9 in extras.

With two outs in the 1st Mike Morse singled to left to drive in Christian Yelich, 1-0 Marlins. That run marked the first time the Marlins had a lead in a game this season, a span of 28 innings.

In the third inning with the bases juiced, Morse grounded into a double play but Dee Gordon was able to advance from third on the play, 2-0 Marlins.

In the fourth inning, with the "starter" Steve Geltz done for the day, the Marlins broke it wide open versus the hapless Erasmo Ramirez. Adeiny Hechevarria doubled in Marcell Ozuna to make it 3-1. After Jarrod Saltamacchia walked to load the bases yet again, Yelich doubles up the middle, allowing Jarrod Saltalamacchia and Hech to score, 5-1. Stanton then doubled down the third base line, with Gordon and Yelich scoring, 7-1. Finally, Morse singles against the shift and Stanton scores, 8-1.

The Dodgers trade from the winter shined tonight as Dan Haren looked good through six, using 79 pitches to generate many outs through the air. The single blemish being Kevin Kiermaier's solo shot in the third. Almost everyone got in on the action for the offense, but Dee Gordon in particular had a nice game, looking good in the field and going 3-5 with a walk, two stolen bases, and three runs scored, providing exactly what the front office hoped he would when he was acquired.

The Marlins' pen decided to alter the night's story in the seventh, however, as David Phelps could only get one out and ended up walking in a run before being pulled in favor of Sam Dyson, who struck out Rene Rivera but then ended up walking in two runs before being pulled himself for AJ Ramos, 8-3. David DeJesus then doubled off the top of the right field wall, barely missing a homerun but clearing the bases to bring the Rays within one, 8-7. Asdrubal Cabrera finished the comeback by barely singling past a diving Gordon, making it 8-8 and prompting a righteous chorus of boos from the displeased Zombie masses. As Rich Waltz said: "Just unbelievable."

In the eighth, Gordon bunted his way on board and stole second base, and after Yelich struck out, Stanton singles Gordon in putting the Marlins on top 9-8. Steve Cishek joined his fellow pen mates in struggling, and coughed the run right back up in the ninth thanks to a couple of hits to make it 9-9. Thus what would've seemed improbable an hour or so earlier became reality, and we headed into extras.

Fortunately it didn't last long. Gordon doubled off of current Rays closer Brad Boxburger and Yelich followed up with a clean single to walkoff 10-9 and send the crowd home happy.

The Marlins and Rays will continue the series tomorrow, albeit with a couple of depleted bullpens, with Miami attempting to build off of the momentum generated tonight. In the meantime, enjoy the win Fish Stripers!


Source: FanGraphs

Attendance: 17,375

Hero of The Game: Giancarlo Stanton (+.364 WPA)

Goat of The Game: A.J. Ramos (-.240 WPA)

Play of The Game: Christian Yelich singled, allowing Dee Gordon to score. (+.309 WPA)