Career day for Sánchez not enough as Marlins come up short in 12th

Before getting into the game, I want to wish everyone reading a safe and Happy Fourth of July, whether you were watching the Marlins, grilling hot dogs, or getting a tan poolside, it's always a great day to celebrate our independence. 

MIAMI, FL—The Miami Marlins were trying to avoid a series sweep on Thursday. For the first time since the June 14-16 series against the Washington Nationals, they were unsuccessful at salvaging a win, but at least there were some fireworks and suspense along the way.

Boston Red Sox starter Nick Pivetta brought a no-hitter into the seventh inning. However, as soon as he exited, Miami was able to claw their way back into the game and force extras. Ultimately, Boston outlasted the Fish, winning 6-5 in 12 innings.

The 31-year-old Pivetta relied on just three pitches the majority of the time, especially his four-seamer which generated eight whiffs on 26 swings for him. Pivetta matched a season high by recording 10 K's during his seven scoreless innings of work.

Ultimately for Pivetta, it was Jesús Sánchez who spoiled his no-hit bid by getting his first triple of the year with a massive shot to left-center field over the head of Jarren Duran.

On the Miami pitching front, righty Kyle Tyler made his third start this season. Considering the quality of the opponent and the length he provided (5.1 IP), it was Tyler's best start as a big leaguer. Tyler used his cutter as his primary pitch, throwing it 49% of the time while seeing six whiffs on it. His ERA remains at 3.38 as he made his case to stick in the Marlins rotation a little longer.

Skip Schumaker attributed both of the runs that Tyler allowed to the Red Sox stealing third base (David Hamilton did so successfully in both the first and sixth inning). "We have to clean that up a little bit," Schumaker said postgame. "Other than that, he was outstanding."

After Tyler, the next four relievers—A.J. Puk, Anthony Bender, Tanner Scott and Andrew Nardi—did not allow a run and combined for nine strikeouts.

That kept the Marlins close enough to rally. They pounced on Justin Slaten and Brennan Bernardino to tie things up in the bottom of the eighth. Two-out singles by both Jazz Chisholm Jr. and Bryan De La Cruz made it a 2-2 ballgame.

In the 11th inning, the Red Sox retook a 4-2 lead against Calvin Faucher, but Jesús Sánchez responded by launching his ninth home run of the season to tie things up again.

Skip mentioned how Sánchez has been consistently hitting the ball hard for an extended period. He was responsible for the two hardest hits by either team in this game (110 mph HR and 115 mph 2B).   

Newly called-up Matt Andriese took over in the 12th, allowing an RBI double to Tyler O'Neill to give Boston some breathing room again. The Marlins only plated one run in the bottom of the frame and fell just short of victory.

The 3:36 time of game was the longest for the Marlins this season. 

My three stars of the game:

1. Jesús Sánchez (3-5, 2B, 3B, HR)
2. Marlins bullpen (4.2 IP, H, 0 ER, 0 BB, 9 K from innings 6-10)
3. Kyle Tyler (5.1 IP, 3 H, 2 ER, 3 BB, 3 K) 

The Marlins will start a new series Friday vs. the 25-64 Chicago White Sox in what should be an interesting matchup between teams who already have their eyes on 2025. It will be the young rookie Drew Thorpe (4.43 ERA, 20.1 IP) for the White Sox. Miami will start right-hander Bryan Hoeing, who will make his first MLB appearance since being put on the IL just two months ago. It'll be his first start of 2024 (he'd previously been used as a full-time reliever).