Morans meet in historic matchup
Brian Moran knew the possibility was there. With the Marlins calling him up during their three-game series against the Pittsburgh Pirates, the 30-yearold left-handed pitcher could very well face his younger brother Colin Moran — a former Marlins first-round pick — in his major-league debut.
That possibility became reality in the fourth inning of Thursday’s finale.
In the end, it was older brother Brian who came out on top. Colin, with a full count, struck out looking on a 71.7 mph slider — Brian’s first career MLB strikeout. He finished off his scoreless inning by getting Melky Cabrera to fly out.
And with that, Brian and Colin Moran became the first siblings in MLB history to face each other in a pitcher-batter scenario with one of the brothers making his debut, according to the Elias Sports Bureau.
They’re the seventh set of siblings overall to be on opposing teams when one brother is making his debut.
Brian Moran’s debut served as the start of a Marlins rally in Thursday’s late game, with Miami scoring nine unanswered runs from the fifth through eighth innings to take a 10-5 lead into the ninth inning.
It also served as the culmination of an 10-plus year journey through the minor leagues.
The Seattle Mariners selected him out of the University of North Carolina in the seventh round of the 2009 MLB Draft. Moran spent the next four seasons in the Mariners’ minor-league organization before a whirlwind of change unfolded.
Six organizations, a year rehabbing from Tommy John surgery and two stints in the independent Atlantic League ultimately brought him to the Marlins, with whom he signed a minorleague deal on Dec. 3, 2018.
He quickly impressed in his lone season in the organization. Moran struck out 77 batters and held opponents to a .207 batting average over 60 innings with the Triple A New Orleans Baby Cakes.
He was nearly untouchable against left-handed hitters, holding them to a .086 batting average and striking them out out 43.8 percent of the time (32 of 73).
And now, he’s showing what he can do in the majors.
HURRICANE DORIAN DONATIONS
The Marlins and Miami Marlins Foundation will be holding a relief drive during their upcoming homestand against the Kansas City Royals and Milwaukee Brewers to help those in the Bahamas who were impacted by Hurricane Dorian.
Donations will be accepted on the East and West Plaza at Marlins Park beginning two hours prior to first pitch each day.
Needed items include water, canned goods, can openers, mosquito spray, sunscreen diapers, baby formula, first aid items, flashlights, batteries and small generators.
Fans can also donate $1 at . any Malrins Park concession and round up their purchases and any Marlins Park retail stores. The Miami Marlins Foundation will match any donations.