Beyond view of most of South Florida, around 1 a.m. this morning, Marlins pitcher Ricky Nolasco finished a complete game in a 6-0 victory at San Francisco. I wouldn't have believed it if I hadn't stayed up to watch 'til the end.
It was a 2-hit, 11-strikeout gem. It would have been a no-hitter into the ninth if not for a cheap first inning hit that actually was an error by first baseman Mike (Where Grounders Go to Enjoy a Second Chance) Jacobs. But that's beside the point. It was the Marlins' first complete game after a major league-record 301 consecutive starts without one.
There was manager Fredi (Hook) Gonzalez, blessedly staying seated in the dugout. There was setup guy Renyel (Blowing Up Like a 1971 Ford) Pinto, blessedly not hearing a phone ring in the bullpen. There was Kevin (Crapshoot) Gregg, blessedly not even close to closing.
Can I get a bleepin' hallelujah!
[Personal note: My buddy Le Batard and his 790 The Ticket crew are hosting another night at Dania Jai-Alai tonight from around 7-10 p.m. I'm going to try to swing by. They are collecting canned goods for a food drive, so help out if you can].
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Cote this might be your best one yet (blowing up like a 1971 Ford); nice!
Posted by: Russell | August 20, 2008 at 01:41 PM
Marlins still only 4 games out this late in the season. Most people would agree that either Phils or Mets will win division. By this time next week Marlins could be 8 games out and fading.
Posted by: Jimbo | August 20, 2008 at 02:04 PM
the announcer was aghast that a hit was given on the grounder that mike jacobs mishandled; the home team official scorers are petrified to charge an error when it would deprive a local of a hit. this is another aspect of changes in baseball that was not prevalent "in the good ole days" (pre 1990s)
Posted by: the shadow knows | August 20, 2008 at 04:24 PM
Jimbo,
a rapid descent for the marlins, as you foresaw, aided by the ridiculous baserunning of the dumber than dirt dan uggla. he waved off the stop sign of the 3td base coach to be thrown out by 35 feet in the matinee at SF.
Posted by: the shadow knows | August 22, 2008 at 03:52 PM