With only the championship game remaining, the chances are slim for this Paper Marlin getting any in-game action. I seriously doubt Coach Louie Atsaves will put this 48 year old rookie into the lineup for the first time in such an important game. Regardless of my lack of playing time, I am so excited about the championship game. The Marlins earned the right to play for the title by way of a thrilling 11-2 victory on Wednesday evening.
The Marlins were trailing 2-1 when they exploded for seven runs in the bottom of the third. The Marlins added a few more runs later in the game, while allowing only a handful of batters to reach base. It really was a beautiful game to watch.
I don’t need the scorecard to rattle off some highlights. Starting pitcher Peter Atsaves and reliever Glynn Elliott combined to pitch a gem. Phil White crushed a ball to right for a double. Andrew Pabst bunted and was a terror on the bases. Christopher Atsaves made a few nice scoops at 1st base. Third baseman Niko Konstantopoulos played through some back pain to provide his usual steady defense. Frank Ocana and Chris Portokalis had clutch hits. Josh Solorio and Dylan Moreno each made nice plays in the field.
More impressive than all of that was the maturity and teamwork I observed. I saw everyone support Peter A., when he was disappointed that he gave up one run. That also showed how badly Peter wanted it. Only giving up one run in this type of game was impressive, yet Peter wanted to be better. That is a winner, as are his teammates who rallied around him.
I also talked about nervous energy with Phil W. This wasn’t fear. It was excitement and Phil channeled it into his big hit. That is a winner.
I watched as the Marlins took turns sitting out an inning without complaint. I rooted with them as they stood for the final two innings on offense. They were not going to simply sit there and watch. They cheered their teammates with every pitch. Everything I saw screamed “winners.”
In the post-game team meeting, Coach Louie congratulated the Marlins, saying that they won this game with their skills that they had learned and honed all season.
I have to agree with Coach Louie. With no disrespect to him, Coach Bill Pabst or Coach Harry Konstantopoulos, I think the Marlins would have won this game without any in-game coaching. They were focused, determined and ready. Of course, that ultimately goes right back to excellent coaching. I commend the entire coaching staff on the way they handle these young men.
This was the perfect example of opportunity meeting preparation. The outcome was the aforementioned “beautiful” game.
The Marlins have one more step to take, one more game to play. The championship game. The date has yet to be determined, but whenever it is, I am sure these Marlins will be ready.
