15-year Marliniversary: Marlins complete rally at Wrigley with 6-run 10th

[Mike Ferguson]

The Marlins scored six runs in the 10th to complete their comeback on this day 15 years ago. 

Late-inning comebacks turned out to be a theme for the Florida Marlins early during the 2009 season. On this day 15 years ago, Florida turned a nail-biting extra-inning contest into a six-run rout.

After trailing most of the way at Wrigley Field on April 30, 2009, the Marlins drew even with runs in the seventh and eighth. Florida went ahead for good with six runs in the 10th in an 8-2 victory over the Chicago Cubs.

For six innings, Florida had no answer for and just three hits off Chicago starter Sean Marshall. Trailing 2-0, Jorge Cantú broke up the shutout by leading off the seventh with a solo home run. Against the usually reliable Carlos Mármol, two walks and a throwing error allowed the Marlins to draw even at two.

After seven strong innings from Chris Volstad, Dan Meyer and Kiko Calero combined to throw two scoreless innings of relief to get the contest to the 10th. Facing Aaron Heilman, Alfredo Amézaga got the 10th inning started for Florida with a lead-off double.

Following a walk to pinch-hitter Wes Helms, an error on a ground ball from Emilio Bonifácio allowed the Marlins to take their first lead, 3-2. The Fish, however, were just getting started.

Cameron Maybin's bunt single scored Helms before a walk to Jeremy Hermida loaded the bases. Cantú unloaded them with a three-run double to give the Marlins a commanding 7-2 lead. Heilman's night was done, but Florida's big 10th inning wasn't. 

Ángel Guzmán entered the game and promptly gave up an RBI double to Dan Uggla. Guzmán retired the next three batters to keep the deficit at 8-2, but the damage was done.

The Marlins finished with 10 hits while Uggla, Maybin, Cantú, Amézaga and catcher Ronny Paulino each recording two. The Cubs' only runs came in the fifth inning on back-to-back home runs from Milton Bradley and Mike Fontenot.

For Florida, the victory capped a 14-8 month of April. The Marlins finished with three extra-inning wins during the month. The last came in historic Wrigley Field on this day 15 years ago. 

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