Miami Marlins move to third position in National League East Division - MLB Feature
Things have started to roll for the Miami Marlins. Winning their 24th game of the season and falling behind the Washington Nationals with just two games in terms of wins, change is palpable. Their start was dismal and remained so for the greater part of
the season, but over the last week, something has entered into the club.
It is not that they have propelled to something bombastic out of nowhere. Not that their players are displaying miracles all of a sudden. It is more like gradual and seamless rise.
Their starters are being hammered for as many runs as in the first month; hitters are going nearly the same way what has changed is the results.
Torn between dilemmas, one can fancy two possibilities. Either other teams have slowed in their progress by embracing lethargy or the Marlins have actually stepped up their game. Another, highly unlikely reason can be the assumption that ever since inter-league
games has started; things have eased up for the Marlins. Perhaps, American League teams who were accustomed to different pitchers suddenly found the Marlins’ hurlers enigmatic and failed to comprehend throws.
In a desire to pick out distinctive improvements the Marlins have made, role of Omar Infante comes straight into the mind. Just like a lion that is frustrated by shackles, roars instantly and breaks through the ranks, Omar rushes out of the bench and goes
to the plate and makes sure the scars that the Marlins suffered earlier are obliterated in the most ferocious manner.
While being part and parcel of the Marlins’ recovery, he has taken his batting average to .326. With six home-runs and 20 RBIs, he stands poised to become a saviour of the club.
It seems the frustration which was growing and affecting the clubs’ performance is being vented against the opponents now. Giancarlo Stanton, who was though an exception even during the most hopeless of the situations, has accelerated his gears. Perhaps
he is conscious of being overshadowed as other players shine and began his quest for proving their mettle and therefore to keep his name on the surface.
No wonder, on Monday, the grand slam he struck was so ferociously hit that it went crashing through the scoreboard. Yes, the whole crowd stood up, enthralled by the monumental hit. Fans had a rare treat at the Marlins ballpark.
Moving on, the most plausible among the reasons can be a rejuvenated bullpen. What betrayed the Marlins earlier in the season are their relievers. Heath Bell, who is being an exemplary rescuer now, has not been so, for large part of the season. Start of
the season had spelled doom for him. During first four weeks, he had disappointed the club to an extent that, fans had begun calling for his immediate removal.
As he has gained his top notch form now, one will just be pragmatic, if one terms his new role “an elimination of one of the Marlins’ greatest weak-link”.
Furthermore, activity on the field has also improved. Errors which were being made frequently have reduced in numbers. Jose Reyes is heading to his groove slowly at shortstop.
Above all, Hanley Ramirez’s adjustments at third base after being forced there, has been impeccable.
The Marlins cannot afford to squander a chance of capitalising on the momentum. A stage has been set from where they can re-determine their fate and surge to heights in the season.
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