WASHINGTON (CBSDC) – Drew Storen entered Saturday’s game in the ninth inning, charged with the task of protecting a five-run Nationals lead over the Marlins, and was challenged early.
Storen, after getting the first out on an infield grounder in the non-save opportunity, loaded the bases on a pair of singles and a Ryan Zimmerman error at first base, before earning his second out.
But the Marlins weren’t done. A hard Adeiny Hechavarria hopper to the corner of the infield proved too much for Anthony Rendon, who was handcuffed at third trying to decide which bounce to play, allowing all runners to advance, including one across the plate, as he struggled to handle the ball.
Score now 5-1 and bases still loaded with two outs, Marlins manager Mike Redmond subbed-in switch-hitting pinch hitter Jarrod Saltalamacchia, who had three career grand slams, for the threat of tying the ballgame with one swing.
Saltalamacchia nailed a first-pitch Storen slider on the screws to split the field, a ball that seemed destined for a hard, safe landing place in center field.
Then, Ian Desmond to the rescue!
Curly W in the books. The Nats’ 95th.
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