Late game heroics (and errors) propel Miami Marlins past Chicago Cubs

Miami, Florida – Fans were treated to an absolute thriller as late-game heroics and a trio of errors helped the Miami Marlins win 5-4 over the Chicago Cubs. Zach squared off against Zach as Thompson and Davies enacted what was largely a pitcher’s duel through six innings. Miami’s Zach Thompson got the no-decision but tossed a quality start allowing one earned run on four hits. The 27-year-old righty fanned three getting plenty of help from the defense.

Brian Anderson hit his sixth homer of the season in the sixth, powering the team towards a 3-1 lead. Chicago, meanwhile, was plagued by four errors, three of them from the shortstop Sergio Alcántara, leaving the door open for the offense to pounce. And pounce they did om Puerto Rican Heritage Night.

CURRENTLY. 🇵🇷 pic.twitter.com/sTumcWCk2Y

— loanDepot park (@loanDepotpark) August 15, 2021

The victory now has the Fish tied for fourth in the NL East. The Washington Nationals have been on a long stretch of ugly baseball losing six in a row during that span.

Slow going

Miguel Rojas led off with his 25th double of the season but the Marlins are unable to push him across. Jazz Chisholm Jr. grounded out to advance the runner but that’s as close as they got. Jesús Aguilar lined out to center as Rafael Ortega fired it back into the infield to hold the runner.

Rojas would remain the only player to get on base until the fifth.

.@ZDavies3 with the snag! pic.twitter.com/y7pt5bShqe

— Chicago Cubs (@Cubs) August 14, 2021

At the top of the fourth, Bryan De La Cruz couldn’t make the sliding grab as the line drive bounced past him towards the wall, resulting in Ortega doubling on the play. Initially, it was a triple but Miami challenged the call after the ball lodged itself beneath the right-field fence.

Ortega ultimately crossed home courtesy of an RBI single from Patrick Wisdom making it 1-0 Chicago.

The Marlins cashed in on a huge opportunity in the sixth. A fielder’s choice (E-6) committed by Alcántara moved Aguilar and Lewis Brinson into scoring position. That should’ve ended the inning. It allowed Anderson to crush the baseball to deep left field for the three-run blast.

After his 3-run HR helped give the Marlins a lead early, Brian Anderson is our WellMax Player of the Game!@Marlins | #JuntosMiami pic.twitter.com/vkEsuGKkBY

— Bally Sports Florida: Marlins (@BallyMarlins) August 15, 2021

Unfortunately for the home team, it didn’t last.

Roller Coaster

The Cubs loaded the bases in the eighth. Frank Schwindel smacked a line drive off Dylan Floro down the third baseline driving everybody home making it 4-3 Cubbies. Schwindel was hitless (0-for-3) going into the at-bat. The game got even wilder when Miami came up to the plate.

A bases-clearing double for the lead from Schwindel! pic.twitter.com/Azg0FqlFQj

— Chicago Cubs (@Cubs) August 15, 2021

Chisholm doubled to lead off and Brinson reached base on another fielding error by Alcántara. His poor night worsened after flubbing Anderson’s grounder who also reached base on the fielder’s choice (and error) allowing Jazz to score on the play tying it up. Magneuris Sierra then hit an RBI single giving the Fish the lead for good this time.

With the win, the Marlins improve to 50-67 and are now in possession of a three-game winning streak.

Let's take a look back at the Marlins magical comeback 8th inning 💥@Marlins | #JuntosMiami pic.twitter.com/ZOvBt8qDb2

— Bally Sports Florida: Marlins (@BallyMarlins) August 15, 2021

Gimme Fuel Gimme Fire

I ain’t gonna lie, I’ve been happy with the offense lately. The Fish have scored at least five runs in five of their last six games. I’m particularly happy with De La Cruz (.362), Brinson (.354), Rojas (.356), and Alfaro’s (.306) hitting in August. Seeing El Oso out in left field is still kinda strange but if it keeps him producing at the dish then by all means. Miami is no longer in the divisional cellar (for now) which is a minor plus.

Lewis Brinson trips over his own bat and has a HOT MIC moment 😳 #MLB #BaseBall #Cubs pic.twitter.com/iTQwYLbcgU

— Drona (@dronathedrona) August 15, 2021

The second half remains strictly player evaluations but it’s been a lot of fun to watch honestly. Maybe it’s because the pressure is off. The Marlins are performing much better at the plate despite losing five of six out west tempered by a promising start to their six-game homestand. Once they wrap up with the Cubs, they host the Braves next. Let’s go get ’em.

Game Notes

Zach Thompson: 6 IP, 4 H, 1 ER, 3 Ks

Chicago scored four runs on seven hits committing four errors

Miami scored five runs on seven hits committing no errors

All of Miami’s runs are unearned

Marlins were 2-for-10 with RISP

Fish whiffed 10 times drawing a single walk

Photo | JC Ruiz