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 Stanton hit a walk-off single to right in the 10th inning to lead
the Miami Marlins to a 4-3 win over the Texas Rangers on Tuesday
night at Marlins Park.
"We had the right guy at the plate," Marlins manager Mike Redmond
said of Stanton, a candidate for National League MVP. "He had a heck
of an at-bat -- a bullet to right."
The rally started when pinch hitter Jeff Baker reached on an error
by first baseman Mike Carp and advanced on an infield single by
second baseman Donovan Solano.
Stanton lined his hit off of reliever Neftali Feliz. It was the
Marlins' 11th walk-off hit this season -- tops in the majors -- and
Stanton's second. The Marlins also lead the majors with 32 one-run
wins and 21 victories in their final at-bat.
"I left the ball a little up," Feliz said. "It was a fastball off
the plate. I tried to go away."
Earlier in the day, Stanton took part in the ALS Ice Bucket
Challenge in which a fan named Andrew Mendez poured ice on the
Marlins' star in the name of charity. Mendez was the highest bidder,
giving $4,551 to the ALS Recovery Fund, raising awareness for Lou
Gehrig's Disease.
Once he got dry, Stanton had an eventful day, including a two-base
error in right field that allowed Rangers second baseman Rougned
Odor to circle the bases.
Stanton made up for that miscue in the 10th, however.
"I knew we were in extra innings because of me," Stanton said,
alluding to his error. "So I was fired up about that."
Stanton, who hit a 1-2 pitch, said he was also "fired up" about two
strikes that were called on him during his final at-bat.
"I didn't like those sliders that were called," Stanton said. "(I
told myself), 'You put us in this situation. Make sure you get us
out.'
"(Feliz) tried to sneak a fastball away. I put a good swing on it to
right field."
After Baker scored the winning run, Stanton was mobbed by his
teammates, who again doused him with ice water.
"I get a water shower before the game and after," Stanton said.
"Showers all around.
"If the game hadn't ended like this, I would be more (upset because
of the error). My upper body wasn't working with my lower body. You
can't do anything now but laugh at that."
Miami (63-62) won its third game in a row and rose above .500 for
the first time since June 20. The Marlins started the day in fifth
place in the National League wild-card race, 3 1/2 games out.
Texas (48-77) has the worst record in the majors and is just 9-42
since June 17.
Marlins starter Jarred Cosart, who is from Texas, earned a
no-decision, allowing one run in six innings.
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Rangers starter Miles Mikolas, who is from South Florida and made his
debut at Marlins Park, also got a no-decision. He allowed three runs in
five-plus innings.
Texas opened the scoring in the fourth. Third baseman Adrian Beltre hit a
one-out double to center, advanced to third on a single by center
fielder Leonys Martin and scored on a groundout by catcher Robinson
Chirinos.
Marlins center fielder Marcell Ozuna tied the score with his solo home
run in the bottom of the fourth. The blast, his 17th of the season,
traveled an estimated 427 feet to left field.
Miami scored twice in the sixth to take a 3-1 lead. The rally started
when first baseman Garrett Jones doubled and Ozuna singled. The RBI went
to catcher Jarrod Saltalamacchia (single) and shortstop Adeiny
Hechavarria (sacrifice fly).
Texas tied the score in the seventh. Odor led off by circling the bases
on what was ruled a double and a two-base error on Stanton, who bobbled
the ball after it banged off the wall and then slipped twice.
The Rangers capped the odd rally with a bases-loaded walk by
pinch-hitter Daniel Robertson off of reliever Mike Dunn. The inning
featured three walks, including one intentional.
Texas, though, went just 1-for-10 with runners in scoring position.
"That's what we have to get better on -- driving in runs when they're
there," Rangers manager Ron Washington said. "We put ourselves in
position, but we didn't cash in."
NOTES: Rangers RF Alex Rios was scratched an hour before Tuesday's game
because of a bruised right thumb. He was replaced by OF Jim Adduci. ...
In terms of fewest homers allowed per nine innings, Marlins RHP
Henderson Alvarez ranks second in the majors and Marlins RHP Jarred
Cosart is sixth. ... Rangers 3B Adrian Beltre is one of eight players in
history to homer in at least 40 different MLB stadiums. Tuesday was his
first game at Marlins Park. ... Marlins 2B Donovan Solano started
Tuesday for the fourth time in the past five games, taking the job from
Jordany Valdespin. ... Marlins RHP Nathan Eovaldi, who starts Wednesday,
has a 3.09 road ERA this year but a 4.66 ERA at home.
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