Anderson, Rojas make must-see catches
Marlins' defensive gems likely save runs
MIAMI -- Flashy glove work was on display all night for the Marlins.
Brian Anderson made a diving grab on Carlos Santana's sinking line drive with the bases loaded in the seventh inning, and in the sixth inning, shortstop Miguel Rojas dazzled with an over-the-shoulder catch in an 8-4 win over the Phillies at Marlins Park.
Those two potential run-saving plays underscored the best defensive night of the season for the Marlins, winners of three straight for the first time this year.
"It seemed late, a lot was going on," Marlins manager Don Mattingly said. "It was a good game. A lot of good things happened."
Anderson, the rookie who was converted to right field with Martin Prado back at third base, left his feet to snare Santana's drive, which, according to Statcast™, had a hit probability of 57 percent.
"I don't know if I ever knew that I had it," Anderson said. "I saw it off the bat. I kind of drop-stepped, and misread it a little bit. I thought I had a play on it, and went for it, and was able to come up with it."
The Phillies, trailing by two runs at the time, had the bases full and one out off Kyle Barraclough. With the count full, Santana hit a ball that appeared would drop before Anderson left his feet. Cesar Hernandez, on third base, didn't tag, so no run scored. Barraclough then retired Scott Kingery on a tapper in front of the plate.
"I didn't think the guy on third was going to be there," Anderson said. "I figured he'd be tagging and scoring."
After Anderson's defensive play saved at least one run, the rookie crushed a two-run homer in the seventh that padded Miami's lead to four runs. Statcast™ projected the homer at 427 feet.
Any concerns about Rojas' right foot were answered in the sixth inning when the Marlins shortstop ran down a soft pop fly and made an over-the-shoulder catch.
Rojas' gem of a play took a hit away from Phillies pinch-hitter Nick Williams with Jorge Alfaro on first.
According to Statcast™, Williams' floater had a 48 percent hit probability, but Rojas ran the ball down in short center field.
Three innings earlier, Rojas was involved in an inning-ending play, and was shaken up in the process. With two outs in the third, Odubel Herrera attempted to steal second base, but was thrown out by catcher J.T. Realmuto. While applying the tag, Herrera's hand dragged over Rojas' right foot, causing the shortstop to hobble slowly off the field.
"Overall, I just loved the way our team kept pushing back," Anderson said. "It seemed like every time they pushed, we pushed back harder."