Marlins links, 9/18/18: Marlins win back-and-forth game, understanding sabermetrics, rookies of the future

Marlins come from behind

For a second consecutive time, Trevor Richards gave up four runs over five innings. He started the game well striking out Bryce Harper to end the first (Harper struck out two more time afterwards), but between two home runs and a Brian Anderson error at third base, the Nationals jumped ahead with an early lead.

The Marlins were struggling to get baserunners aboard until the fifth inning when Starlin Castro hit a two-run double. An unlikely hero in Magneuris Sierra would plate two more runs with a single in the sixth inning and cause Wander Suero to balk in Austin Dean for the Marlins fifth run.

Trea Turner’s RBI fielder’s choice in the seventh inning would briefly tie the score and be the final run for the Nationals. Lewis Brinson and Miguel Rojas added two more runs in the seventh to give the Marlins the lead and Starlin Castro’s 12th home run of the season was the exclamation point.

Adam Conley came on for the save. He retired the Nationals in order for his third save of the season.

Building on the rookies

Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images

Marlin Maniac took a look at the number of rookie pitchers the Marlins have used throughout the season. The national media expected the Marlins to be a team made of mostly rookies, and while it has been hard to watch at times, there have been pleasant surprises.

Some pitchers like Caleb Smith started the season with the Marlins and others like Trevor Richards joined slightly after Opening Day. They have both flashed moments of quality pitching. The Marlins have uncovered two potential starters this season and will continue to uncover more valuable pitchers as long as the team continues to give guys opportunities.

Sabermetrics has a place in baseball

Photo by Stephen Lovekin/Getty Images

Over the weekend, Joel Sherman published an column that had the baseball world a buzz. Sherman discusses advanced baseball stats at length and simultaneously praises their usefulness and criticizes them for over-complicating the fan experience.

Our own Mitch Custer responded to Sherman’s column, sharing the story of how he was introduced to advanced stats and how they can actually help you love the sport more.

Mitch, like many Marlins fans, hasn't had much team success to look forward to in recent years. Despite that, stats keep him engaged throughout the season-long ordeal.

Baby Cakes year in review

Triple-A New Orleans general manager Cookie Rojas hosted a new episode of the affiliate’s “Inside The Shrine” podcast. Their season ended a couple weeks ago and he reflects on several of the standout players/personalities who earned major league promotions along the way, such as Austin Dean and Isaac Galloway.

Rojas also interviews Baby Cakes manager Arnie Beyeler—kinda awkward considering it has been reported that the organization won’t renew his contract—and catcher Austin Nola.

Marlins-Nationals continue their series

Photo by Jim McIsaac/Getty Images

Sandy Alcántara (2-0, 1.42 ERA) will be on the mound tomorrow for the Marlins for the second game of the series. Alcántara has been the Marlins best pitcher in September. He’s allowed two earned runs over 14 innings and struck out 14 batters. Pretty much unhittable!

The Marlins will be facing Stephen Strasburg (8-7, 3.87 ERA). Strasburg has pitched at his best whenever he faces the Marlins. He's undefeated against the Marlins dating back to April 2017.

First pitch is at 7:10 p.m.