After watching numerous scoring chances fall short in the first six innings, the “Why not us?” Marlins finally broke through in the seventh, continuing their unlikely 2020 run.
Making its first playoff appearance since 2003, Miami rode a five-run seventh inning to top the Chicago Cubs, 5-1, in Game 1 of the National League Wild Card Series at Wrigley Field on Wednesday. The Marlins, who lost 105 games last season and had 18 players miss time early this season due to COVID-19, will look to clinch the truncated three-game set Thursday afternoon at 2 p.m.
Miami’s offensive outburst came courtesy of two its offseason acquisitions. With the Marlins trailing, 1-0, in the seventh, veteran outfielder Corey Dickerson, who signed a two-year, $17.5 million contract, blasted a three-run homer off Kyle Hendricks to give Miami the lead.
“[Hendricks] was solid all day, hitting his spots,” Dickerson said. “Very tough at bat. He has been for a long time. It was about getting a good pitch and don’t miss it. I think early on I was thinking a little too much, trying to be perfect, trying to get the right pitch. And that time, it was ‘see it over the plate, get my timing right and let it go.’ “
Two batters later, slugging first baseman Jesus Aguilar, who the Marlins claimed off waivers, deposited a two-run homer over the right field Ivy to extend the lead to, 5-1.
“Both guys bringing them in, we were excited,” Marlins manager Don Mattingly said. “Corey was one of the guys we went after [in the offseason]. He’s always hit and he’s always been a guy that seems to hit good pitching. It was good for him. His first postseason and to hit a homer, he was excited.
“And [Aguilar] is another guy that’s hit. He had a good year a couple years ago, struggled last year. We were hoping for the bounce back and we’ve gotten that. Both of those guys bring a ton to the club from stability, keeping it loose and keeping everything in perspective for us.”
Prior to the seventh-inning onslaught, Miami stranded seven runners in the early goings of the afternoon contest.
On the mound, Marlins ace Sandy Alcantara turned in a gem in his postseason debut. The 25-year-old right-hander allowed one earned run in 6 2/3 innings, scattering three hits and three walks. His only blemish came in the fifth inning when Ian Happ connected for an opposite field home run. Alcantara, Miami’s All-Star representative in 2019, added four strikeouts to pace the team.
After exiting the game in seventh, Miami’s bullpen locked down the victory, tossing 2 1/3 scoreless innings. Offseason acquisitions Richard Bleier, Yimi Garcia and Brandon Kintzler combined to allow just one hit in relief.
With the victory, the Marlins continue to defy expectations. During spring training, president of baseball operations Michael Hill told reporters “Why not us?” when asked about the team’s chances during the 60-game shortened season.
Despite the success, the Marlins have still generated plenty of skepticism. Earlier this season, one Philadelphia media member referred to Miami as “bottom feeders,” which many Marlins quickly embraced as a rallying cry.
