They came to hit. The Miami Marlins absolutely demolished the Athletics on Friday night, riding a six-homer barrage to a lopsided 12-5 victory. Leading the charge was Kyle Stowers, who put on a clinic with a 4-for-5 performance that included two massive home runs. It was a statement game. Stowers matched his season-high of four hits, a feat he last pulled off back in June against Philadelphia.
The game was essentially over before the fans even settled into their seats. Miami exploded for five runs in the very first inning before the A’s could even record a single out. Heriberto Hernández delivered the loudest blow of the frame, launching a 414-foot three-run blast. Xavier Edwards drew a bases-loaded walk to force in Liam Hicks, and Stowers crossed the plate on a passed ball. Jakob Marsee capped the early onslaught with a solo shot. It was a nightmare start for Oakland.
The A’s tried to fight back. They chipped away. Nick Kurtz launched a two-run homer in the third, and Jeff McNeil cleared the bases with a three-run double in the fourth to make things interesting. But Stowers shut down the comeback. He crushed a solo shot in the sixth and followed it up with a two-run blast in the eighth to restore order. Owen Caissie added a two-run shot in the ninth just to rub salt in the wound.
Miami’s pitching staff did enough to survive the early hiccups. Starter Tyler Phillips lasted 3 1/3 innings, giving up five runs on seven hits. After he departed, the bullpen slammed the door shut. Five Marlins relievers combined for 5 2/3 innings of scoreless relief, with Lake Bachar earning the win after throwing two hitless frames. On the other side, Jack Perkins took the loss after getting battered for seven runs on seven hits over his start.
Saturday’s matchup features Miami right-hander Sandy Alcantara taking the mound against Oakland’s Aaron Civale.
