Rojas' 6 RBIs help Marlins rout D-backs
Marlins shortstop finishes one shy of franchise record
PHOENIX -- With several of their top run-producers out with injuries, the Marlins are looking for others to step up. Miguel Rojas did just that on Tuesday night, and in the process, drove in a career-high six runs, which is one off the pace of a single-game franchise record.
Rojas racked up four hits -- three doubles and a single -- and his six RBIs helped rally the Marlins to a 12-6 victory over the D-backs at Chase Field.
With the Marlins¡¯ record at 53-98, Rojas was pleased to see a nice bounceback win after a disappointing 7-5 loss on Monday. In the series opener, the Marlins were held without a hit for 5 2/3 innings, and after Miami took the lead with five runs in the seventh inning, the D-backs still rallied to victory.
¡°I was kind of frustrated after the game last night,¡± Rojas said. ¡°As a team, we came in with a different mentality and a different approach today, and it showed. I don't really want to talk about me, it was a great team win. I couldn't be prouder of the guys, the way we played today.¡±
Before Tuesday night, Rojas had twice collected four RBIs in a game. The Marlins are in need of some production without third baseman/right fielder Brian Anderson (broken left finger) and first baseman/outfielder Garrett Cooper (bruised left knee) -- who combined for 35 home runs.
¡°The opportunity is there,¡± Rojas said. ¡°It's all about who wants to be here in this clubhouse and who wants to be part of what we're doing here in Miami. For me, it's a great opportunity for everybody to start playing for their job for next year.¡±
Catcher Jorge Alfaro, who has 15 home runs, was removed from the game in the second inning with a left hand contusion. Alfaro¡¯s replacement, Bryan Holaday, homered and went 3-for-4, finishing a triple shy of the cycle.
An X-ray on Alfaro¡¯s hand came back negative, and the Marlins will further evaluate him Wednesday.
¡°We've got some really good leaders on this team,¡± Holaday said. ¡°Staying on top of it, and making sure, no matter what point in the season we're in, we're coming to play, and we're going to try to win every day.¡±
The Marlins and D-backs have split the first two games of the series, and Miami has clinched the season series, winning four of six with the finale on Wednesday afternoon.
After falling behind, 4-2, in the fifth inning, Rojas had a three-run, two-out double that put Miami in front to stay, 5-4. And in a five-run seventh inning, the shortstop delivered a two-run single.
¡°We got some offense going, and scored some runs,¡± Marlins manager Don Mattingly said. ¡°You get late and you're still not comfortable here, so obviously, all the runs you kind of feel good about getting.¡±
The Marlins¡¯ single-game RBI record is seven, accomplished four times: Greg Colbrunn (July 18, 1995), Adeiny Hechavarria (May 5, 2013), Cody Ross (Sept. 11, 2006) and Gary Sheffield (Sept. 18, 1995).
¡°Miggy was good all night,¡± Mattingly said. ¡°A lot of guys, Holly coming in off the bench, filling in and getting some big hits.¡±