Now it’s just getting nutty
The Marlins scored only once after the 4th while Atlanta only failed to score in the 8th. Everything else came in “crooked number” fashion.
In the 6th, Acuna double in 3 more runs (an error reduced his RBI count by one on the play).
In the 7th, Josh Smith allowed the bases to be loaded before Adam Duvall trotted all runners around: yes, another 3-homer day, and this one was capped via the Grand Slam.
This ended up finishing up the scoring on the day at 29-9, even as every fan watching was probably thinking “holy smokes — there’s still another inning to go!”
But Marlin reliever Ryne Stanek managed what no other visiting pitcher could accomplish on this day: he didn’t give up a run. 1 hit, but no runs.
It was probably close, though: Duvall was 3 batters away!
The Superlatives
September 9, 2020. 4 hours and 14 minutes. 29 runs.
Adam Duvall had a second 3-homer game in a week (3 for 4 with 2 walks) and 9 RBI. That gave him a 12 for 29 line (.413 with 8 homers) dating back to the Boston 3-HR game.
Poor Freddie Freeman (3 for 6) had a 6 RBI day and hardly anybody noticed.
Acuna was on base 6 times, scoring on 4 of those trips, and he was out-scored by three other teammates: Swanson, Riley, and Duvall.
While everybody got into the party, Marcell Ozuna was “the guy” who was late to the festivities: 1 for 6 with 3 strikeouts and a walk. Even late sub Adeiny Hechavarria got one plate appearance… and singled.
Even with all of the homers (7 of them), the Braves just pounded the Marlins with singles and doubles — 23 hits altogether.
Obviously, the 9 walks contributed, but the 2-out hitting and scoring was what truly made the difference.
On the pitching side, Milone failed to go the requisite 5 innings, and thus was never going to be the winning pitcher. That honor fell to Grant Dayton. Despite a shaky start, Dayton was charged with no Marlin runs.
Comically, Bryse Wilson earned a 4 inning save… with 3 innings being the low threshold for that statistical oddity.
This was a game for the ages, and one that we’ll likely never see again in our lifetimes.
It was simply remarkable just how relentless the attack was, but also remarkable about how the Marlins managed their pitchers. Another year and under different circumstances, it’s hard to imagine any manager permitting that to continue as long as it did.
For the Atlanta Braves in 2020 — and this had to be a “2020” game, right? — this game stands out as a beacon among many contests this past season: it will forever be “The 29 Run Game”.