Hicks doubles, Conine homers as Marlins strike back in 9-3 win
Griffin Conine’s first home run of the season was just the icing on the cake.
After suffering their first loss of the season, the Miami Marlins returned the favor and crushed the Chicago White Sox 9-2 on Tuesday.
“I think we’re in every game. We’re going to fight until the very end,” Marlins first baseman Liam Hicks said. “Yesterday didn’t start off great but we kept fighting all the way through and today, same thing. Get down early and just keep fighting.”
Conine went 2-for-4 to lead the Marlins at the plate along with Xavier Edwards (2-for-4). His two-run dinger came in the eighth inning after Owen Caissie drove in a run on a sacrifice fly. By then, the Marlins were adding insurance runs after playing more than half the game with the lead.
The White Sox got all their scoring in the third inning on a pair of RBI singles from Munetaka Murakami and Andrew Benintendi.
Liam Hicks sparked a four-run rally to give the Marlins a 4-2 lead that they did not relinquish. His eight RBIs currently lead the big leagues. He has an easy explanation behind his fast start in that category.
“I think just guys getting on base,” Hicks said. “That’s helping me a lot. Obviously when guys ahead of you are getting on base, you get those opportunities. I’m just trying to keep it simple, swing fast and hit the ball hard.”
Following Hicks’ two-run double was an RBI single by Caissie, who advanced to second base after a throwing error from Luisangel Acuna. Heriberto Hernandez drove Caissie home with a single to cap the rally.
The Marlins added to their lead in the seventh inning after a sacrifice bunt by Graham Pauley and a sacrifice fly by Jakob Marsee.
Janson Junk allowed two runs on five hits with five strikeouts in 4.1 innings. He earned the fifth spot in the starting rotation in spring training after recording a 4.17 ERA in 21 appearances (16 starts) in a career year last season. Anthony Bender earned the win after 1.2 no-hit innings.
Erick Fedde took the loss in his White Sox return. The veteran right-hander gave up four runs (three earned) on six hits with strikeouts in five innings pitched.
Sandy Alcantara returns to the mound for the Marlins (4-1) in the rubber match against the White Sox on Wednesday. The Miami ace threw seven shutout innings against Colorado on Opening Day.
Shane Smith will look to rebound for the White Sox (1-4) after lasting only 1.2 innings in a 14-2 Opening Day loss to the Milwaukee Brewers.
Great win for the Marlins! It was awesome to see Hicks and Conine heating up to level the series. That offensive rhythm is exactly what they need right now.
Watching the game got me thinking about team dynamics and personality fits. If you’re into analyzing personalities, you should check out Umapoi Quiz (umapoiquiz.com). It uses the Big Five model to match you with an Uma Musume character based on your traits—it’s surprisingly insightful and a fun way to pass the time between innings!
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