The Miami Marlins are using their gloves to pick up wins often thus far this season.
Miami has committed a total of five errors this season, which is the second-best total in the National League. Only the Cincinnati Reds with four miscues sit atop Miami in the league. Due to these strong defensive efforts, the Marlins have been in nearly every game this year.
Two of Miami's five errors have been charged to members of the pitching staff, while the other three have gone to players in the starting lineup. Having a sure-handed defense behind them has been a welcome sign for Miami's pitching staff.
New Marlins reliever Brad Ziegler took to Twitter on Sunday, following a highlight reel full of gems in Saturday's win.
It's difficult to overstate how good our defense was last night. #ThankyouPrado
A little glimpse of the brilliance: https://t.co/UJHXhs4aqZ — Brad Ziegler (@BradZiegler) April 23, 2017
With the game on the line in the tenth inning, Martin Prado made two clutch plays at third base. The second play ended the inning and saved what appeared to be a game-ending hit. Due to Prado's glove, Miami went on to win the game the following inning.
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Before Prado's heroics on Saturday, Adeiny Hechavarria and Miguel Rojas also flashed some leather in the win. Both Rojas and Hechavarria have had other memorable moments in the field as well this year.
The Marlins have also had contributions from behind the plate defensively. While J.T. Realmuto's hitting has taken over the headlines this season, the catcher has also shined with his gear on. Realmuto has already caught three runners on the base paths. That total is good for sixth-best in the National League.
Longtime infield instructor and first base coach Perry Hill is credited with the glove work from the infielders. Hill's pupils often post outstanding fielding percentages and get to balls that other players may miss. Gold gloves have been won under Hill's tutelage as well. Up until an error by Prado recently, Miami's infield had gone the entire season without committing a single error.
After wrapping up a trip to San Diego, the Marlins will travel to Philadelphia on Tuesday for a series with the Phillies.
