MIA 8, NYY 7: How Did We Get Here?

Fish pull off improbable 9th inning comeback to best the Yanks and take the series.

In Sunday's series finale, the New York Yankees took a commanding 7-3 lead into the bottom of the 9th, three outs away from securing a series win in Miami.

Then, they blew it.

For the first eight innings, it was all Bombers.

Gerrit Cole authored another chapter of a season that has seen him emerge as the favorite to win the AL Cy Young Award: 6 IP, 6 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 2 BB, 6 K's.

Anthony Volpe continued his weekend torching of the Marlins, adding his 16th home run in what has already-been an impressive rookie campaign. Gleyber Torres reached base three more times and tied a career-high with a three stolen base afternoon. Even catcher Ben Rortvedt—hitting .107 entering play—got in on the action with his first long ball of the year.

For Miami, Eury Pérez lasted just 4 innings in his second start since returning from minors, allowing 4 runs, and walking 2. In those two starts, Pérez has been tagged for a total of 8 runs in just 8.2 innings.

Following him, Huascar Brazoban provided what could best be described as "ugly bulk," allowing 3 runs (all earned) over 2.2 innings, walking 4 in the process.

The Yankees entered the final half inning with a 99-percent chance to win the game, per Baseball Savant. Here are the series of events, in order, that followed.

• Yuli Gurriel hits a lead off double—96% win probability, NYY
• Jon Berti strikes out swinging—98% win probability, NYY
• Nick Fortes singles to SS—96% win probability, NYY
• Jazz Chisholm Jr. walks, Gurriel to 3rd, Fortes to 2nd—90% win probability, NYY
• Josh Bell reaches on a throwing error by pitcher Clay Holmes; Gurriel, Fortes score; 7-5 New York—80% win probability, NYY
• Luis Arraez triples to RF. Chisholm, Bell score. 7-7 tie—83% win probability, MIA
• Bryan De La Cruz walks—82% win probability, MIA
• Jake Burger singles to CF. Arraez scores. Marlins win, 8-7.

"I wish we wouldn't have to wait for the 9th inning everytime, but a win's a win," said a smiling Skip Schumaker.

The Marlins had done as they seemingly have all year long. With their backs against the wall, they rose to the opportunity, and came out on top.

And for the both clubs, as trite as it may sound to those clinical readers of game recaps, if there was any game that serves as a team's season in a microcosm, this was certainly it.

Of Note

• Marlins catchers allowed 5 stolen bases in a game for the eighteenth time in franchise history. This represents just their fourth win and first since 2005 in such contests.
• Burger's 9th inning hit made for the third walk-off hit of his career. In 11 games with Miami, he has hit a collective .311/.391/.488.
• Luis Arraez collected his 17th 3-hit game of the season, tied with Ronald Acūna Jr. for the most in the Majors.

Looking Ahead

The Marlins will have their work cutout for them, as they'll welcome the defending World Champion Houston Astros to loanDepot Park to commence a three-game series.

Monday's series opener will see a battle of the southpaws. Braxton Garrett (6-3, 4.08 ERA) will square off against Framber Valdez (9-7, 3.30 ERA). First pitch is slated for 6:40 EST.

Photo by Megan Briggs/Getty Images