Marlins-Nationals 9-inning slugfest ends in 12-10 loss for the Fish

The Marlins may have lost last night, but the game is certainly a contender for best Marlins game of the season. The Nats and Fish went back and forth each inning. Pitching lovers, yesterday was not the game for you. Both teams combined for a total of 29 hits and 22 runs.

Pablo López: 3.2 IP, 7 H, 4 ER, 1 BB, 1 K, 2 HR

Kyle McGowin: 4.0 IP, 6 H, 5 ER,1 BB, 2 K, 2 HR

The Marlins were able to take an early lead in the first. Brian Anderson nailed a ball way into the left field stands for two runs. The Nationals would come right back with a home run of their own. Adam Eaton drove a ball that was middle of the plate into the stands. The Fish responded right back with three singles and a walk. López was up with the bases loaded, and singled in two runs.

López wound up running into the most trouble in the third. He gave up 6 hits, a walk, and a home run. A total of three runs were scored that inning. While López was able to finish the inning, he would not finish the next one. The Nats hitters kept the pressure on López, and he could not shut them down quick enough. Curtis Granderson would grab the lead back for the Fish with his own solo shot in the fourth.

Neither pitcher would make it past four innings. López gave up 4 earned runs, while McGowin gave up 5. The bullpens would not fare any better. The Fish gave up 8 runs in the second half of the game. Adam Conley, Nick Anderson, and Tayron Guerrero each gave up two runs. Guerrero would not even get an out before his job was done. The Marlins had the lead three different times in this one.

The Marlins fought hard throughout the game. The Fish and Nats were tied 8-8 going into the eighth inning, when the Marlins would take the lead one last time. Granderson started the inning with a double, followed by an Anderson single. Starlin Castro then brought Granderson home on a single to center field.

The Nationals would hit back-to-back home runs to take a commanding 12-9 lead.

The Fish did not finish the game without making some noise, though. Jorge Alfaro led the ninth off with a solo shot to left center field. They were now within two runs. Miguel Rojas and Garrett Cooper both singled afterwards, but that was the extent of the damage.

The Marlins finally lost their winning streak, but they did so honorably, fighting tooth and nail till the end. Saturday’s game (Sandy Alcantara vs. Patrick Corbin) begins at 4:05 p.m. ET.

Marlins vs. Nationals box score (MLB.com)

Fish Picks answer key

1. Marlins
2. Over
3. Under
4. Yes
5. Nationals