Disastrous 9th inning sinks the Fish against their division-rival Braves

[Isaac Azout]

A competitive ballgame unraveled in the ninth inning as the Marlins suffered an 11-2 loss to the division-rival Atlanta Braves on Tuesday night at loanDepot park. The lopsided final score belied how close the contest was for most of the evening.

Miami entered the ninth tied at two following another strong performance from ace Sandy Alcantara, but a couple of low-leverage arms and some questionable decision-making from the coaching staff turned the game into a rout.

“There were some tough breaks, and once things started rolling downhill, we couldn’t stop it,” manager Clayton McCullough said afterward. “Unfortunately for us, that ninth inning just got away.”

McCullough turned to journeyman reliever Tyler Zuber to open the frame against former All-Stars Marcell Ozuna and Ozzie Albies. After recording one out in between a double and a walk, Zuber gave way to struggling left-hander Josh Simpson. Both Zuber and Simpson were used the night before and had been able to keep Atlanta off the scoreboard.

This time, it was a completely different outcome. Seven of the next nine Braves reached base after Simpson entered and he was tagged for seven earned runs in just one-third of an inning. The rally festered long enough that McCullough called on infielder Javier Sanoja to record the final out, marking his fifth relief appearance of the year

“It’s tough. You’re feeling for him,” McCullough said regarding Simpson. “It’s tough to come into a spot and not be able to get the job done there and for things to turn the way they did. They started rolling downhill and couldn’t really get it to stop."

The decision not to use closer Ronny Henriquez, who has thrown just 7 ⅔ innings this month, was questioned. McCullough insisted Henriquez was “unavailable,” but also admitted “nothing is wrong” with the right-hander. That explanation left many wondering why Miami continues to carry its top bullpen arm without deploying him in high-leverage situations.

It's worth noting Henriquez has surpassed his previous career-high in innings pitched, so it could be argued Miami is erring on the side of caution with one of their most valuable relievers. 

Miami will most likely need to make a roster move prior to Wednesday's midday contest against Atlanta. 

Before the ninth-inning collapse, Alcantara’s resurgence continued. Though he labored through a 23-pitch first inning that included a bases-loaded jam, he quickly settled in, retiring 10 straight at one point. Over seven innings, he limited Atlanta to two runs while striking out six. His strikeout of Acuña in the sixth marked the 900th of the Dominican right-hander's career.

Over his last three starts, Alcantara has allowed only four earned runs in 20 innings pitched. He saved some of his best stuff for late in the ballgame, very reminiscent of his 2022 Cy Young self. His ERA is now below 6.00 for the first time since April. 

"He was terrific," McCullough added. "He's really rounded into form in so many ways and I think it goes back to the way he's executing his pitches that's gotten him back to the place he's accustomed of being."

Braves rookie starter Hurston Waldrep wasn't nearly as sharp, but the Marlins missed chances to break the game open. 

Jakob Marsee drove in Miami’s first run with an RBI single in the opening frame (the only run surrendered by Waldrep), while the Braves answered with an Albies solo homer in the fourth—Albies is up to 20 career long balls against the Marlins. Miami later tied the game on a wild pitch in the seventh.

With the loss, the Marlins fell to 62-70, eight games below .500, and will look to avoid dropping their seventh straight series in Wednesday’s matinee. Miami has now lost the season series vs. the Braves for the 11th consecutive year. Newly acquired Ryan Gusto is scheduled to start.

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[One Regend]

Wow. That was a bullpen implosion for the ages.

Are you seriously telliing me that Ronny Henriquez, who wasn't used the previous night, wasn't available here either? Did Lake Bachar walk out on the team or something? Even he would've been a better choice than whoever McCollough trotted out in the 9th.

I know Josh Simpson has nasty weapons at his disposal. But until he proves he can get major league hitters out, he should not be pitching in high leverage situations, much less the 9th inning.

I gave Don Mattingly crap for his bullpen deployments, but damn, McCollough somehow found a way to one-up Mattingly. Jesus Christ, this is bad.

[Hippyboi]

Simpson should be learning in the minors

[Shawn]

In my 40 years of watching baseball I’ve never seen a s*** show quite that bad. The game tied at 2 and you save the ninth for your two worst arms in bullpen. I’m tired of hearing Ronny thrown a record amount of pitches, if he can only pitch once a week what’s the f***ing point of keeping him in the bullpen. If that’s the case shut him down for the year and call someone up. You instead deploy two arms that should have been sent down weeks ago. Also Clayton you moron Hernandez has no speed in left field runners in first and second stop making him play so shallow it’s the 4th time he’s been burned deep in that situation I’d rather have two outs and a sack fly than a double. 

[THOMAS JOSEPH]

Baseball.