13 months, 82 games and 3 teams later, Pache ends HR drought

MIAMI -- It had been 13 months and two weeks, composed of 166 at-bats (189 plate appearances) in 82 games spread between three teams since the last time Cristian Pache had hit a Major League home run.

That all went back to zero when he stepped to the plate in the fourth inning of the Marlins’ series-finale 10-8 loss to the D-backs on Wednesday night at loanDepot park.

Pache’s two-run homer to left field put Miami ahead as he took advantage of an 82.8 mph changeup that Arizona starter Jordan Montgomery left a bit more low and inside than he likely intended.

Ironically, Pache’s previous homer was in the very same ballpark -- a go-ahead pinch-hit two-run homer in the ninth inning on July 7, 2023, when the Phillies beat the Marlins, 4-3.

“I'm happy for him,” said David Hensley, who was hitting behind Pache and watched the homer from the on-deck circle. “We kind of both came in around the same time, both been getting our chances, and ultimately seeing him hit a homer right there, [that’s] big for his confidence, and ultimately, big for the team trying to help us win.”

Unfortunately for Pache, the homer was overshadowed when the Marlins gave up seven runs across the final three innings. Pache himself played a small part, when Lourdes Gurriel Jr. hit a double up the middle, bouncing just in front of a diving Pache. The ball was smoked off Gurriel’s bat at a Statcast-projected 101.7 mph.

“They're just tough plays,” manager Skip Schumaker said. “The last play, you know, with Pache in center field -- that's a tough play. [You] try to keep it in front, maybe, probably the most ideal, and try to keep the double play in order with the guy on first. …

“He's such a good outfielder that he probably catches that ball, you know, he's one of the elite outfielders. So that's not a -- it's not an error or anything. I'm just saying, like, you know, probably at least try to keep it in front, to try to keep the double play in order. But other than that, I think him being aggressive and going after that ball is a good thing as well.”

This season has been a weird one for Pache, who began the season with the Phils before being traded to the Orioles on July 26, just ahead of the Deadline. He got in to three games with Baltimore before he was designated for assignment on Aug. 1. The next day, Miami picked him up off waivers.

Hensley, who was acquired off waivers from the Astros on July 29, has also has a weird year. He and Pache are both more platoon players, getting their chances when the pitching matchups make sense and when they’re needed most in the field. With a fairly young roster post-Deadline, Schumaker is making a concerted effort to get guys as much playing time as possible while fielding a team that gives the Marlins the best chance to win.

And on Wednesday, Hensley took advantage of that opportunity. He went 3-for-5 -- including a bunt single in the fourth inning -- stole his first base of the season and scored twice. It was his first three-hit game since Aug. 31, 2022 -- just four days after his Major League debut on Aug. 27.

“[Hensley’s] another guy that you know, we had a conversation -- if he wants to stick in the big leagues, he's going to have to be a really good heavy platoon option and play all over the diamond,” Schumaker said. “We've played him in multiple positions. See him working out at different positions on the infield. He can do that. He can run, you know. He's a good athlete, and to get three hits against a tough pitcher -- and when you're not playing every day -- is exactly what you hope for when you get the opportunity to start.”

Sure, there are some at-bats Hensley wishes he could get back, like his ninth-inning strikeout with the tying runs in scoring position to end the game, but otherwise, it was a good jumping-off point.

“I mean, yeah, I haven't had much success in my first couple opportunities,” Hensley said, “so anything to get the boys going and get some hits is what I'm trying to do. Go out there and hustle and play hard.”