5-year Mariniversary: Rocking throwbacks, Marlins top Diamondbacks in 1997 World Series fashion

[Mike Ferguson]

On this day five years ago, the Miami Marlins—rocking 1997 World Series throwbacks—scored a walk-off win over the Arizona Diamondbacks.

The seasons for the 1997 Florida Marlins and 2019 Miami Marlins couldn't have been more different. On this day five years ago, however, the 2019 squad donned the 1997 throwbacks and channeled their inner champions.

The contest at Marlins Park on July 26, 2019 happened to have a lot of similarities to Game 7 of the 1997 World Series. In the end, a Harold Ramírez sacrifice fly was the difference in a 3-2 over the Arizona Diamondbacks.

Quality start from the Marlins starter? Check.

As was the case on both occasions, the Marlins got a quality start from their pitcher. In both cases, the starter allowed two runs in six innings. In Game 7 of the 1997 World Series against the Cleveland Guardians, it was lefty Al Leiter. Against Arizona to open the three-game set in July 2019, it was Sandy Alcántara. Both left with their team trailing 2-1.

Trailing 2-1 entering the ninth? Check.

In both games, the Marlins trailed 2-1 entering the bottom of the ninth. In Game 7 of the 1997 World Series, Florida scored one in the inning before winning it in the 11th. Against the Diamondbacks, Miami pushed across two runs to win it in the ninth.

Critical game-tying sacrifice fly? Check.

In both games, the Marlins drew even in the bottom of the ninth with a sacrifice fly. In the clinching game of the 1997 World Series, Craig Counsell came through to right field to score Moises Alou. Against Arizona, Jorge Alfaro's sacrifice fly to right scored Yadiel Rivera to tie the game. Rivera pinch ran for Garrett Cooper, who doubled to open the inning. 

A 3-2 Marlins walk-off win? Check. 

In both contests, the score ended with a 3-2 walk-off victory for the Marlins. The 1997 season concluded with Édgar Rentería singling home Counsell in the 11th. In the series opener against Arizona in late July 2019, Ramírez's sacrifice fly to center field chased home Neil Walker for the winning run. 

While the 1997 season saw the Marlins take home their first of two world championships, the 2019 campaign ended with 105 losses for Miami, the second-most in franchise history. But for three games in 2019, the Marlins were able to dress like champions. They ended up taking two of the three contests. The first ended in walk-off fashion on this day five years ago. 

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