Miami Marlins shortstop Otto Lopez (center-left) and left fielder Kyle Stowers (center-right) jump for joy after taking two out of three from the San Francisco Giants at Oracle Park in San Francisco on Sun Sep 1, 2024 (AP News photo)

By Michael Roberson

SAN FRANCISCO, Calif. — The Miami Marlins (51-86) were the fish that got away in McCovey Cove, as they beat the San Francisco Giants (68-70) 7-5, and clinched the series, 2/3 on a sunny Sunday afternoon in the 415.

The Marlins had a pedestrian first inning, with a strikeout and two infield ground outas. The bottom of the frame was worse. Starting pitcher Darren McCaughan gave up a solo leadoff home run to right fielder and legacy player, Mike Yastrzemski, hit two batters before getting out of the inning.

In the bottom of the third, the Giants scored another run, on a throwing error by Otto Lopez. After three innings, Miami was down 2-0 and one hit to show for themselves. It wasn’t until the top of the fifth inning that the South Florida visitors showed life.

The Marlins used this inning to put up four runs and take the lead from the home team.. Catcher Nick Fortes hit an RBI single (David Hensley), putting them within one run, 2-1 SF. Later, their leadoff batter and left fielder Kyle Stowers, belted a 3-run dinger (Hensley & Fortes) to catapult them in front of San Francisco 4-2. However, they could not celebrate for very long, due to the Giants immediate response.

In the bottom of the fifth, the G-Men managed to get the bases loaded with no outs tallied. This scenario has played out before for SF, with nothing to show for it. This time was different, as Matt Chapman grounded out, but allowed Yastrzemski to score.

With a one run deficit, the Giants put in Mark Canha asa pinch hitter and defensive replacement for LaMonte Wade Jr. That chess move resulted in an RBI single, tying the game at four. Next DH Jerar Encarnacion hits a sacrifice fly to center field, plating Michael Conforto, simultaneously putting San Francisco back in the lead, 5-4..

After the eventful inning on both sides, the Giants were done scoring for the day. Miami scored again in the top of the sixth inning, when Jonah Bride’s RBI single scored Jesus Sanchez, to tie the contest again. Otto Lopez had a productive ground out, as Bride made it home to put Miami back in front. 6-5 after six complete innings.

In Biblical form, Jesus sacrificed himself for the betterment of others in the top of the seventh inning. Sanchez’ fly ball allowed the last run of the game (Stowers), and solidified the series win. The Giants were unable to respond the last three innings and the Florida Fish sealed the game, 7-5.

A bookend scenario for Yastrzemski, as he scored the first run of the game with a homer (100), but made the last out on the game with a strikeout.

Both teams are off Monday, but the Marlins will head back to South Beach and host the Washington National Tuesday, September 3 at 3:40 PM EST. LHP Patrick Corbin (4-12, 5.50) versus RHP Max Meyer (3-4, 5.44)

The Giants will also host (Arizona Diamondbacks) a team on Tuesday 9/3 at 6:45 PM PDT.. Pitchers for both teams are TBA.