Miami

Yelich Collects Eight Hits as Marlins Sweep Doubleheader

Christian Yelich helped the Marlins beat the Phillies twice on Saturday in Philadelphia

The Miami Marlins played their first doubleheader of the season on Saturday and they took both games from the Philadelphia Phillies.

The Marlins won the first game by a final score of 7-6, and they held off the Phillies for a 5-2 victory in game two. 

Christian Yelich was a big reason for the sweep as he went 8-9. The huge day for Miami's left-fielder boosted his average over the .300 mark. Yelich started the year slow due to a back injury, but has been one of the best hitters in baseball since July. With one game to play, Yelich is now hitting .302.

The eight hits for Yelich came in succession as he was 8-8 before grounding out during game two. That tied a franchise record for the Marlins with Preston Wilson also accomplishing the feat. Going back to Thursday's game, Yelich reached safely in nine consecutive plate appearances.

Dee Gordon helped the Marlins as well and also helped himself in multiple statistical categories. Gordon is tied for the best average in the National League with one game to play. Both he and Bryce Harper of the Washington Nationals have a .331 batting average. Going by percentage points, Harper holds a slight edge.

Gordon eclipsed 200 hits in 2015 in game one, and virtually locked up the highest hit total in the NL. The speedy second baseman also stole a pair of bases to give him 58 this year. That mark is the highest in the league as well. Once Sunday's schedule is complete, Gordon in all likelihood will finish with the most hits and most steals in all of baseball. This feat has not been accomplished by an NL player since Honus Wagner in 1908.

Chris Narveson picked up the win in game one after a solid inning of relief. In game two, Justin Nicolino pitched his way to a victory. The rookie finishes his season with a 5-4 record to go along with a 4.01 E.R.A.

A.J. Ramos saved both games of the twin-bill which is something that no Marlins pitcher had ever done. Ramos now has 32 saves and is likely unavailable for the season finale.

The Marlins will wrap up the 2015 season on Sunday when Adam Conley takes the mound.

Contact Us