Slugger Giancarlo Stanton clubbed his 42nd homer of the season in the third inning as the Miami Marlins completed a three-game sweep of the Colorado Rockies via a 5-3 triumph at Marlins Park. Stanton has now homered in four straight games as he tied Gary Sheffield for the franchise record for home runs in a season. Sheffield achieved the feat in 1996. Stanton also reached a career milestone with his 250th homer in 941 games -- the sixth-fastest player to reach the plateau -- behind Ryan Howard (855 games), Ralph Kiner (871 games), Harmon Killebrew (905 games), Albert Pujols (933 games) and Juan Gonzalez (936 games).
"Its been amazing to watch, but it was also good to get production from some guys we don't really count on,” Marlins manager Don Mattingly said after the game. Mike Aviles added a two-run double while the Marlins’ bullpen combined for five scoreless frames as they improved to 56-60. Vance Worley allowed three runs on eight hits with two walks and a strikeout. Javy Guerra (1-0) earned the win after throwing two scoreless frames. Brian Ellington and Junichi Tazawa each tossed a scoreless inning before Odrisamer Despaigne threw a perfect ninth inning for his first Major League save.
Marlins' deal to be finalized in October
The three-game sweep was Miami's first since July 7-9 against the San Francisco Giants.
It was also their first home sweep since beating the Philadelphia Phillies in May. The sweep came days after the Marlins were sold to a new ownership group. According to the New York Times, Marlins owner Jeffrey Loria sold the team for $1.7 billion to a group that includes former New York Yankees shortstop Derek Jeter and New York businessman Bruce Sherman.
The deal is expected to be finalized in October. Barry Jackson of the Miami Herald said that Sherman will serve as the control person while Jeter will run the business and baseball side of the organization when the deal becomes official. Basketball legend Michael Jordan is also one of the investors in Jeter's group.
Rockies dropped into a tie for Wild Card lead
Colorado starter German Marquez (9-5) took the loss after he gave up five runs on seven hits in 4 1/3 innings, while the Rockies dropped into a tie with the Arizona Diamondbacks for the National League Wild Card lead with identical 65-52 marks. The Rockies also had a scare in the fifth inning after All-Star third baseman Nolan Arenado was hit by Worley’s pitch on the left hand. According to Rockies manager Bud Black, Arenado suffered a left hand contusion.
