Brian Anderson lifts Marlins with 9th-inning walk-off

MIAMI—Entering their 50th home game of 2019, the Marlins were still seeking a walk-off victory. Scratch it off the bucket list—Brian Anderson’s game-winning double in the home half of the ninth against Trey Wingenter sent the fans home happy, as the Marlins squeaked past the San Diego Padres on Camp Day Thursday afternoon at Marlins Park, 4-3.

Caleb Smith and Miami fell into an early hole in the second after Austin Hedges’ sacrifice fly brought home Hunter Renfroe with the bases full and one down.

Miami countered in the home half off Dinelson Lamet, who had a no-decision in his lone career start against the Marlins (August 26, 2017 at Marlins Park). A rare Jorge Alfaro walk and César Puello’s single set up runners on the corner and one out for Smith. He poorly executed his sacrifice bunt attempt, but Hedges’ throw to second wound up in center, scoring Alfaro from third and moving Puello to second.

Neil Walker, who had a three-hit game, doubled home Puello, allowing the Marlins to jump in front, 2-1. Miami tacked on a run in the fourth due to Harold Ramírez’s opposite-field homer.

The Padres drew closer in the fifth. Fernando Tatís Jr.—the phenomenal rookie who was predominately ineffective during the series—took Smith deep to straightway center.

Tayron Guerrero worked the sixth, getting two quick outs...before falling into a jam. After San Diego secured back-to-back walks, pinch-hitter Francisco Mejía blooped a game-tying RBI single to center, scoring Manuel Margot.

Guerrero’s exit allowed the Marlins’ bullpen to settle down and record important outs. Jarlin García extended his scoreless innings streak, setting down one batter to finish off the sixth. García hasn’t allowed any inherited runners to score all season, stranding all 12 of them. Nick Anderson pitched two scoreless frames and Sergio Romo, earning his second win, struck out two hitters during a perfect ninth.

Garrett Cooper opened the rally in the ninth with a one-out single to right. Yadiel Rivera replaced him as a pinch-runner and promptly stolen second to set up Brian Anderson’s heroics.

“The guys kept fighting, and Andy came up with a huge hit for us,” Don Mattingly said postgame.

As the Marlins conclude a 3-3 homestand, the team will open a tough six-game, six-day road trip, beginning Friday night against the Los Angeles Dodgers, who have been the NL’s winningest team this season (.646 winning percentage). RHP Zac Gallen will crack his first career start against the Dodgers. LHP Hyun-Jin Ryu, whose 1.78 ERA is best in baseball, gets the call for Los Angeles. First pitch is scheduled for 10:10 p.m. ET.

Padres vs. Marlins box score (Baseball Theater)

Fish Picks answer key

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