Giancarlo Stanton homered for a second straight game on Thursday before his Miami Marlins lost to the Minnesota Twins by a final of 8-4.
Stanton's home run was of the two-run variety and it was exceptionally hard. The ball cleared a building beyond the left field wall and gave Miami a lead at the time. Entering Wednesday's action, Stanton had no home runs and he now is tied for the team-lead with two. Justin Maxwell and Marcell Ozuna also have two home runs this spring.
Stanton is now hitting .300 in the Grapefruit League and was 2-3 overall in this game. After getting off to a slow start due to an injury, Stanton has found his stroke as of late. Miami's slugger has been the most consistent hitter on the team over the past week. Stanton is seeing a regular season amount of at-bats and appears to be ready for Opening Night.
J.T. Realmuto had a solid day himself going 3-3 at the plate. Miami's starting catcher is now hitting .294 this spring and has also played dependable defense behind the plate.
Adam Conley started the game for Miami and made another case for a rotation spot. The lefty has been one of Miami's best arms in the spring, and appears to have a leg-up on winning the fourth or fifth slot in the rotation. In this one, Conley allowed a run on two hits in five innings. The 25-year old struck out four and continued to show poise and control on the mound.
The news continued to not be good for Brad Hand whoever as the lefty allowed four runs in his one inning of relief. Hand was tagged with the loss and now has a 10.38 on the spring. With no options remaining, it is appearing likely that Hand could end up designated for assignment by the team before March comes to a close. Miami would risk losing Hand if he does not make the roster.
The Marlins will stay home and host the Washington Nationals on Friday. This will be Miami's lone night game at home of the spring and will start at 7:05 p.m.
