If there’s a safe save situation in baseball, it’s the three-run lead over the Houston Astros to start the ninth inning. Just don’t tell that to Carlos Marmol, because he blew that exact situation in spectacular fashion last night.
After getting the first out, he gave up a single to J.B. Shuck and then uncorked a wild pitch, allowing Shuck to take second. Clint Barmes then came up and singled and Marmol walked Matt Downs to load the bases. Marmol then got Brian Bogusevic into an 0-2 hole before serving up a pitch that was deposited deep to left center for the walkoff grand slam.
Marmol has blown eight saves this year, but he had been 10 for 10 since his demotion and subsequent reinstatement to the closer’s role.
Sean Marshall anyone?