Kyle Chapman Marlins

In one of the toughest games of the season thus far, our Marlins edged the tough Rockies 4-1 in a wild 7 inning contest at K.C. field. Daniel Rothenberg and Grant Haynes combined to hold the Rockies to one run, two hits, and four walks in seven innings. Daniel pitched the first four innings, only allowing one run in the second inning on a Will McCaleb walk and a Clay Stephens blast to left-center field for a run scoring double. Grant came in to pitch the 5th, 6th and 7th innings, and held the Rockies scoreless during that time. Grant was credited with the win when the usually potent Marlins offense finally showed up in the 5th inning. A walk to Daniel Rothenberg, a double by Pat Brosch and a walk to Josh Hidalgo combined with four wild pitches to create three very important Marlin runs. The Marlins might have scored more runs in the 5th, but with two out and Chris O'Shea on third, Rockie centerfielder Brandon Mulder robbed Brian Barker of a sure double with a great catch in center field. Mulder came up big once again in the 6th inning when he robbed Trey Hibbert of an almost certain hit to center field. Phish notes: Daniel Rothenberg, who has been working on a sinker pitch, managed to get 11 of the first 12 Rockies outs by groundouts to the infield. His brother Jared was busy at first base, recording 14 put outs in the game, including one nice pickoff of Zach Taylor in the 4th inning. A weird play in the Rockies 5th-- with runners on first and second, Chris O'Shea fielded a weak grounder to third with his foot on third base before the runner even got close. He threw to first to try to complete the double play, only to find out that neither umpire saw him touch third base. Wonder what game THEY were watching??? Fortunately, Grant Haynes pitched out of trouble, inducing two infield flies and a groundout to first to end the inning with no damage done. The unsung hero of Wednesday night's game? Undoubtedly Trey Hibbert, who, as catcher, did not allow any of the 9 Rockies runners to advance and score on wild pitches or passed balls. Way to go, Trey. While the top of the Rockie lineup was strangely silent Wednesday night, Chris O'Shea and Brian Barker registered singles in the Marlin 3rd, helping to build the Marlins first run. Coach Glenn Haynes was brilliant once again in leading the Marlins to their sixth consecutive victory. In the postgame conference, Coach Haynes pointed out that not all games are won playing "big ball." This one was won with walks, a hit or two, a passed ball or two, and a steal or two. Next practice is 8pm on Monday night at Levy Field (it's sort of near Compaq Center, off Richmond Avenue down Eastside Drive). Next games are Tuesday night at 6pm against the Cardinals and Wednesday night at 8pm against the Dodgers. This is Big Daddy Tuna, the voice of the Phish saying, "great game and have a wonderful weekend!!!"