Marlins All-Star candidates take down Bumgarner and the Giants, 7-5

Wei-Yin Chen: 6H, 4ER, 4BB, 5K

Madison Bumgarner: 6H, 4ER, 1BB, 3K, 1HR

Adam Conley got his second win of the season! Oh wait, right, Wei-Yin Chen started the game. Well in typical Chen fashion this was not a great start by him. Chen was hittable and did not look confidant. The time is ticking for Chen and his spot in this rotation is slowly fading. Luckily for the Marlins Madison Bumgarner was equally as bad.

The 28 year old—yes really, he is only 28—ace of the Giants staff did not have a great game. Bumgarner was not a happy camper tonight and his anger finally boiled over in the sixth inning. After giving up a double, single and sac fly, Bumgarner walked Justin Bour. The pitch was clearly a ball but Bumgarner let his feelings of disagreement be known to the rookie umpire.

The Fish would continue the assault that inning with a Lewis Brinson single to drive in a run. The Giants saw all they needed to after that and decided to take out Bumgarner. While heading to the dugout Bumgarner decided to get his moneys worth with the pitching change. After letting off some expletives to the umpire he was promptly ejected. Fun stuff!

Arguably more fun than that was the offense the Fish displayed tonight. Funny enough the offense was carried only by three players (and a Maybin sac fly) but that was enough to give the Fish seven runs. All-Star candidates J.T. Realmuto and Brian Anderson each had three hits in the game. They also both had two runs batted in each, scored three times and each homered! All-Star twins? Maybe this lineup change is for the best?

The home run by Anderson was an opposite field power shot that took everyone by surprise. Realmuto’s home run was a go-ahead two-run smash to dead center field. Realmuto is having a career year and continues to help carry the Marlins offense. Shockingly (not shockingly, sadly) these two are not even anywhere near the top of the voting for the All-Star game so far. Something needs to change, make sure to go out and vote!

I would be remiss if I did not speak on Lewis Brinson’s night. The young man scored in two runs tonight. He is getting closer to the home run, inch by inch. This time he missed it just slightly which resulted in a triple. Brinson is starting to get it together and it is nice to see.

Kyle Barraclough came in the ninth to get the save. He slammed the door on the Giants in a 1-2-3 inning. While both bullpens gave up something, the Giants could not handle the hottest Fish hitters. This was a great game, whenever the Marlins claw their way to a win it is a sight to see. While I know this team has it’s ups and downs, i do believe this is a glimpse into the future of this franchise.

Courtesy of Fangrpahs

Kingfish: Brian Anderson (.493 WPA) and J.T. Realmuto (.468).

Flounder: Sam Dyson (.470).

Play of the game: Performances of both Anderson and Realmuto.

Attendance: 6,023

Please leave any Icthy picks in the comments below. Remember, we introduced a new grand prize for the contest this season!

Matchup Summary

The Marlins get the pleasure of facing Madison Bumgarner in his second start back. He looked good in his first start and should only improve tonight. Wei-Yin Chen will be up for the Fish, he has not been having good results.

The offense for both these teams have been hot, this should make for an action packed game. The pitching for both teams will have to be on point if they want to limit the offense.

Brian Anderson will look to continue his hot streak, he has quickly become a strong rookie of the year contender. Derek Dietrich has been producing with runners on base, and starting drives. The Marlins will not go down quietly against the Giants this series, that is for sure.

Thread Question: When the Fish are hot, what is your favorite aspect of their game? (Strong pitching, strong defense Homers, Small ball?)