Marlins Morning News: Stanton crushes, Marlins cruise 9-6

Marlins News

Giancarlo Stanton backed up his claim to the No. 1 seed in the home run derby, as he hit a homer in each of the first two innings and paced the Marlins to a 9-6 win over the Cardinals. The homers were his 22nd and 23rd.

Final Vote contestant Justin Bour made his case to join Stanton on the All-Star team with his 19th home run. But he can’t elect himself, he needs our help! You can tweet #VoteBour to vote for him on Twitter today, as well as vote as many times as you like online until 4 p.m. Eastern.

The Marlins designated Jeff Locke for assignment after his eleven-run disaster Monday.

With less than a week now before the Miami’s first MLB All-Star game, excitement in the city is reaching a peak. The 1997 champion Marlins will reunite as well as participate in many of the festivities. USA Today says the All-Star game puts the team’s dysfunction and impending sale in the spotlight. The Miami Herald traces the city’s all-star roots back to before it had a franchise.

Around the League

Giancarlo is the No. 1 seed in the Home-Run Derby, but who is No. 2? Of course, it has to be Aaron Judge, who leads the majors after hitting his 29th on Tuesday. The dinger tied Judge with Joe DiMaggio for most homers in a season by a Yankee rookie. Judge still has half a season to take the title for himself!

Rockies pitcher Jon Gray says pitchers can hit too, and launched a 467-foot bomb to prove it.

The Dodgers’ Alex Wood celebrated his 10-0 record with a ten strikeout performance. The Brewers continued to surprise with a sweep over the Orioles.

One final reminder to #VoteBour, as he needs a huge final push in order to win the Final Vote, currently led by the Dodgers’ Justin Turner. Mike Moustakas is winning the AL race, but I would urge you to #ElectElvis Andrus, who is having a career year for the Rangers.