Zac Gallen Shows Promise in Marlins/MLB Debut

One of the Marlins’ top pitching prospects in Zac Gallen made his Major League debut last night against the St. Louis Cardinals and he did not disappoint. The Cardinals happen to be his former club that traded him for Marcel Ozuna before the 2018 season and he showed them what they traded.

Gallen Shines

In his five innings of work, Gallen allowed five hits, one earned run, struck out six and walked two. That’s a pretty impressive debut if you ask me. If I’m being honest, that run should’ve never came across to score. Gallen was robbed of strike three call on a pitch that was well inside the zone, but nonetheless, that run came across. Here’s a video of all of Gallen’s six *should’ve been seven* strikeouts. (via @Marlins)

*pats the top of Zac's head* Yep, you get a lotta Ks per Gallen outta this baby. #JuntosMiami pic.twitter.com/QYRboIWHX8

— Miami Marlins (@Marlins) June 21, 2019

Gallen did get worked into some deep counts against the Cardinals’ hitters which is why he left the game at 99 pitches through his five innings. He did leave with the game tied and when the Marlins came up to bat in the top half of the inning they managed to gain the lead and putting Gallen in line for the win.

Marlins Bullpen Blows Lead… Again.

Unfortunately, the woes of the Marlins’ bullpen continue to spoil the performances of the young pitching staff. Gallen was in line for the win all the way up until the 8th inning when Tayron Guerrero gave up a two-run home run to Tommy Edman. 

That home run happened to be on an 0-2 count and the first of Edman’s career. So good job on that one… Edman couldn’t catch up to the previous four fastballs that Guerrero was throwing to him so why Guerrero threw a center cut slider is beyond me. (via @Cardinals)

Tommy Edman's first career home run! 💣 pic.twitter.com/B6FNEzwK7K

— St. Louis Cardinals (@Cardinals) June 21, 2019

Riddle Saves The Day

Despite the bullpen blowing yet another lead, J.T Riddle was the hero the Marlins needed. He blasted a two-run home run off of Cardinals’ reliever Andrew Miller. In a 1-2 count, Miller threw a slider that hung over the middle of the plate and Riddle made him pay with a 400 foot blast to right field. (via @Marlins)

THOSE 11th INNING DINGERS HIT DIFFERENT. #JuntosMiami pic.twitter.com/hWNAzmEBKD

— Miami Marlins (@Marlins) June 21, 2019

Strange Sequence of Events in the 11th

Things got interesting when the Cardinals got a run across on Sergio Romo and pulled with in one. Yadier Molina is not the fastest guy in the league. It was best that he was pinch ran for by Cardinals’ staring pitcher Jack Flaherty, at least that’s what Cardinals’ manager Mike Shildt thought. 

Flaherty took a standard lead off of second base but wasn’t paying attention. He was then picked off by Sergio Romo to end the threat of the tying run coming across and ended the game in the Marlins’ favor in 11 innings. (via @Marlins)

It is with a heavy heart we must announce …

GOT HEEEEEEEEM pic.twitter.com/BRMjCpQnoF

— Miami Marlins (@Marlins) June 21, 2019

The Marlins head to Philadelphia to take on the Phillies for tomorrow night’s game. Sandy Alcantara will take the ball for the Marlins and Aaron Nola will take the mound for the Phillies.