Kyle Chapman Marlins

The Marlins earned two wins Saturday, October 12, 2002. One was easier than it should have been, with the Marlins accepting a forfeit from the Dodgers. One win was much harder than it should have been. The Marlins, coming off of a 10 day layoff since their last game, managed to squeak by the Cardinals 2-1 in a game that went six innings. While the Marlins bats were pretty much silent most of the game, their pitching and defense were virtually stellar. Daniel Rothenberg finally got his first pitching win as a Marlin, going 4 innings and allowing no runs, two hits, no walks and striking out five Cardinals. Grant Haynes got the save in relief with some clutch pitching in the 5th and 6th innings to seal the Marlins' eighth victory. The Marlins hitting story can be told in one sentence-- Josh Hidalgo smacked a double to left-center field, but was stranded there and did not score. Cardinal starting pitcher Will Martin pitched 3 terrific innings for the Cardinals, not allowing a single Marlins hit. The Marlins got one run in the second inning on on a Cardinal error on a ball hit by Trey Hibbert, a walk to Ben Wendt, and a passed ball. Courtesy runner Daniel Rothenberg brought that run across the plate. The other run was manufactured when Jared Rothenberg walked, advanced to second on a walk, stole third on a close play, and scored on a fielder's choice by Josh Silver who was out at first. Following the close victory, Daniel Rothenberg joined the rest of the 14 year old K.C. Titans tournament team at Westbury field to help them win 14 year old division of the Westbury fall classic. The Titans won the championship game 11-8 against a tough NASA team. The Marlins had better rest quickly since they have three games scheduled in the next five days. The Marlins face the Cubs on Monday night, October 14th at 8pm. On Wednesday, October 16th at 6pm, the Marlins face off against the second place 6-2 Pirates. Finally, the Marlins end a tough week with a 6pm game on Thursday, October 17th against the always tough Astros. Tickets for all remaining Marlins games are available at all Ticketmaster outlets and neighborhood Fiesta stores. Go Phish!!!