Sun Sentinel Palm Beach Edition
Marlins lose
Visiting St. Louis Cardinals win 7-1.
MIAMI — After splitting a pair of onerun contests, St. Louis was able to pull away in the rubber match versus the Marlins.
Former Miami outfielder Marcell Ozuna drove in two runs, while Yadier Molina and Matt Carpenter both smashed home runs to give St. Louis a 7-1 victory.
Marlins rookie pitcher Trevor Richards, who’s been among the best in baseball over the past month, took the loss, allowing three earned runs in 5 2⁄3 innings. The 25-year-old gave up four hits and two walks, while striking out eight.
Over his previous five starts, Richards (3-7) posted a 1.32 ERA — third-best in all of baseball among starters since July 8. In his prior 23 2⁄3 innings, he had allowed just two earned runs.
John Gant (4-4) picked up the win for the Cardinals, scattering two hits, one run in six innings.
St. Louis (60-55) struck quickly, as Molina delivered a solo home run in the first to give the Cardinals a 1-0 lead. The Marlins (47-69) would even the game in the second on a Miguel Rojas RBI single, but they weren’t able to deliver any more offense.
For the second straight night, Carpenter hit a the go-ahead home run — this time a two-run shot — to give St. Louis a 3-1 edge. The Cardinals tacked on two more in the eighth and two in the ninth to extend the
lead.
Miami relievers Kyle Barraclough and Brett Graves each allowed two runs in the last two innings.
Jeter talks Realmuto
One of the hot topics around the MLB trade deadline was whether the Marlins would potentially deal All-Star catcher J.T. Realmuto.
The Nationals were reportedly interested in the 27-year-old, but Miami held firm at the deadline on Realmuto, who has 2½ years left on his current deal.
Speaking to reporters during Wednesday’s game, Marlins owner Derek Jeter said he wants Realmuto to be a part of the team’s plans going forward.
“I’d love to [have him here long term],” Jeter said. “J.T. is one of the guys at the top of the list as far as being one of the best all-around catchers in all of baseball. I don’t ever like to talk about specific players in terms of their futures, but he’s a guy we’d love to have long term.”
Realmuto has been the Marlins’ MVP this season, hitting .294 with 14 home runs and 53 RBI, while also being a consistent defensive presence for the Marlins’ young staff.
“I don’t think anyone deserves [the success he’s having] as much as he does,” Jeter said. “You talk about sometimes the players down in Miami don’t get as noticed as much as players in other organizations...but JT — the way he’s been able to improve year in and year out, especially this year. He’s taken some strides, even more so defensively. He’s someone that consistently continues to improve.”