Marlins Fall to Pirates on Opening Day Marathon

The Miami Marlins were edged out by the Pittsburgh Pirates with a final score of 6-5 in a disappointing start to the 2024 season that extended into 12 grueling innings. This game, held at LoanDepot Park, saw the Marlins’ bullpen struggles from the previous season continue to haunt them, as they relinquished a lead to allow the Pirates a come-from-behind victory.

The Marlins initially took control of the game in the bottom of the second inning. A complex play involving Jesús Sánchez reaching on a fielder’s choice, facilitated by a missed catch error by Pirates’ second baseman Jared Triolo, allowed Jazz Chisholm Jr. to score, opening the scoring for the Marlins. Shortly thereafter, Tim Anderson doubled on a line drive to right field, bringing Jake Burger home and advancing Sánchez to third, doubling the Marlins’ lead to 2-0.

The Pirates quickly responded in the top of the third inning. Bryan Reynolds hit a two-run homer, bringing in Connor Joe and leveling the score at 2-2. However, the Marlins weren’t ready to let the game slip away. In the bottom of the same inning, Jake Burger singled on a line drive to left field, scoring Bryan De La Cruz and Jazz Chisholm Jr., pushing the Marlins ahead 4-2. Burger wasn’t done yet, as he later executed a sacrifice fly to center field in the fifth inning to bring Josh Bell home, extending the Marlins’ lead to 5-2.

The game seemed to be in the Marlins’ control, especially with Jesus Luzardo’s dominant pitching performance, allowing only two runs across five innings, alongside eight strikeouts. Yet, the bullpen couldn’t hold onto the lead. After Luzardo’s exit, the Pirates seized the opportunity, tying the game and pushing it into extra innings.

The decisive moment came in the top of the 12th inning when Jared Triolo singled on a line drive to right fielder Avisaíl García, allowing Ke’Bryan Hayes to score and giving the Pirates a 6-5 lead. The Marlins, unable to respond, faced defeat in their season opener.

Looking ahead, the Marlins aim to bounce back and even the series in their next game against the Pirates. With A.J. Put taking the mound, the Marlins are set for a 7:10 PM showdown at LoanDepot Park, hoping to leave their bullpen woes behind and secure their first win of the season.
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