Marlins 9, Athletics 6: Stowers towers grand slam for a walk-off win

[Daniel Rodriguez]

Despite a subpar performance from Max Meyer, the Marlins snapped their week-long losing streak thanks to a pair of Kyle Stowers homers. 

MIAMI—“You don’t rise to the occasion, you sink to the level of your preparation.” 

Kyle Stowers had that quote running through his mind entering the decisive at-bat of Saturday's epic 9-6 Marlins win. Trusting his process paid off again.

Let's fast-forward to the ninth inning, with hope fading away. The Marlins trailed 6-4 with one of MLB's best closers on the mound in Mason Miller. It looked like the six-game losing streak would be extended and the debut of their "Retrowave" City Connect uniforms would be ruined.  

Matt Mervis led off the inning getting hit by a pitch, followed by Connor Norby and Dane Myers strikeouts. Javier Sanoja stepped up to the plate and earned himself a double, walks by Ronny Simon and Xavier Edwards extended the game long enough to bring Stowers to the plate.

With the bases loaded and two outs, it was his chance to either win the game or extend the losing streak. Stowers came through again for the Fish, taking Miller deep off a scorching 101.7 mph fastball to walk it off.

"I don't like to say the words 'we needed it,' but it was a good time for a win and cool to be in the middle of it and that's why we play the game, for moments like that," Stowers said. 

The 27-year-old outfielder continues to show his early-season dominance with his fifth and sixth home runs of the season, Stowers easily leads Miami with 25 RBI this season to go along with a .324/.392/.552 slash line. Now seeing everyday play in the outfield and tapping into his power, don‘t be surprised if Stowers makes an appearance at the Midsummer Classic.  

Max Meyer, who went into this game looking to rebound from his performance in Seattle, could not get into form against the Athletics. An early home run by Brent Rooker got the Athletics on the board, only to be followed by a home run by former Marlin JJ Bleday. Bleday has been on a tear against his former team and has made a statement this weekend after also homering on Friday.  

Manager Clayton McCullough mentioned the comebacker that struck Meyer on the pitching hand: "He came in and tested it. Strength was all good, That was the first concern but then he had strength tested out fine. He was okay, He didn't have any ill effects as he went along."

Meyer lasted five innings, but gave up a staggering 10 hits, including three home runs. It was a far cry from the Max Meyer who we witnessed racking up 14 Ks just a few weeks ago. The slider, which has been his best pitch and grades out as the best slider in baseball this season, was not effective against the A's. Each of the homers were off his slider.

"I don't like where my execution is on them," Meyer said postgame. "I don't like my mindset when I'm throwing them up right now, leaving [them over] too much on the plate."

Thrown 18 times, Meyer's slider generated just a single whiff.  

The Marlins look to continue the momentum Sunday as Edward Cabrera (7.23 ERA) is on the mound. The Athletics will trot out lefty JP Sears (2.94 ERA), who is quietly having a solid season for the As.  

 

Three stars of the game: 

- Kyle Stowers (2-5, 2 HR, 6 RBI, walk-off grand slam) 

- Javier Sanoja (2-4, 2 2B, R, RBI)  

- Ronny Simon (1-2, 2B, 2 R, 2 BB)

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[2qbn]

I always go to a few Marlins games every season and had not been to one yet this season until yesterday. What a freaking game. I had my family and one of my sons brought a friend who was at his first baseball game ever. He said that was an amazing experience. Well chill, little man. They all don't go down like that one did. 

The best part was the Marlins never led but never quit. They go down 2-0, tied it 2-2. Down 4-2, tied it 4-4. Down 4-6, well you know what happened next. The crowd was treated to an amazing 9th inning and each guy before Stowers had to play their part. Mervis was whiffing all over the place and the HBP was a blessing and the start. Sanoja laser to center on a first pitch swing. Simon had to pull one heck of a gymnastics move to avoid being Mervis'ed. I had a feeling and started recording the at bat and have the best video I have ever taken at a Marlins game for the grand salami walk-off. Dang, this one is going to be hard to beat. I even bought some new uni merch. ;)

 

Now let's hope Cabrera can find the zone and bring us home the series win. Go Fish!