"Marlins come from behindFor a second consecutive time http://www.twinsfanproshop.com/authentic-max-kepler-jersey , Trevor Richards gave up four runs over five innings. He started the game well striking out Bryce Harper to end the first (Harper struck out two more time afterwards), but between two home runs and a Brian Anderson error at third base, the Nationals jumped ahead with an early lead. The Marlins were struggling to get baserunners aboard until the fifth inning when Starlin Castro hit a two-run double. An unlikely hero in Magneuris Sierra would plate two more runs with a single in the sixth inning and cause Wander Suero to balk in Austin Dean for the Marlins fifth run. Trea Turner’s RBI fielder’s choice in the seventh inning would briefly tie the score and be the final run for the Nationals. Lewis Brinson and Miguel Rojas added two more runs in the seventh to give the Marlins the lead and Starlin Castro’s 12th home run of the season was the exclamation point.Adam Conley came on for the save. He retired the Nationals in order for his third save of the season.Building on the rookiesPhoto by Ezra Shaw/Getty ImagesMarlin Maniac took a look at the number of rookie pitchers the Marlins have used throughout the season. The national media expected the Marlins to be a team made of mostly rookies, and while it has been hard to watch at times, there have been pleasant surprises. Some pitchers like Caleb Smith started the season with the Marlins and others like Trevor Richards joined slightly after Opening Day. They have both flashed moments of quality pitching. The Marlins have uncovered two potential starters this season and will continue to uncover more valuable pitchers as long as the team continues to give guys opportunities.Sabermetrics has a place in baseballPhoto by Stephen Lovekin/Getty ImagesOver the weekend, Joel Sherman published an column that had the baseball world a buzz. Sherman discusses advanced baseball stats at length and simultaneously praises their usefulness and criticizes them for over-complicating the fan experience. Our own Mitch Custer responded to Sherman’s column, sharing the story of how he was introduced to advanced stats and how they can actually help you love the sport more. Mitch, like many Marlins fans Joe Mauer Jersey , hasn't had much team success to look forward to in recent years. Despite that, stats keep him engaged throughout the season-long ordeal.Baby Cakes year in review Triple-A New Orleans general manager Cookie Rojas hosted a new episode of the affiliate’s “Inside The Shrine” podcast. Their season ended a couple weeks ago and he reflects on several of the standout players/personalities who earned major league promotions along the way, such as Austin Dean and Isaac Galloway.Rojas also interviews Baby Cakes manager Arnie Beyeler—kinda awkward considering it has been reported that the organization won’t renew his contract—and catcher Austin Nola.Marlins-Nationals continue their seriesPhoto by Jim McIsaac/Getty ImagesSandy Alc谩ntara (2-0, 1.42 ERA) will be on the mound tomorrow for the Marlins for the second game of the series. Alc谩ntara has been the Marlins best pitcher in September. He’s allowed two earned runs over 14 innings and struck out 14 batters. Pretty much unhittable!The Marlins will be facing Stephen Strasburg (8-7, 3.87 ERA). Strasburg has pitched at his best whenever he faces the Marlins. He's undefeated against the Marlins dating back to April 2017.First pitch is at 7:10 p.m. TAMPA, Fla. (AP) — Gio Gonzalez is eager to reward the New York Yankees.The Yankees announced Wednesday they had signed the veteran left-hander to a minor league contract, hoping the two-time All-Star can help a hobbled rotation.“They gave me something I couldn’t turn down,” Gonzalez said. “This is a pretty great opportunity. It’s impressive to be in this locker room. It really does give you a ‘wow’ factor when you walk in.”Gonzalez said the Yankees’ offer earlier this week was the lone serious one he received.“It’s pretty much the only organization that saw something in me Glen Perkins Jersey ,” Gonzalez said. “It’s something to use as fuel. I think these guys have a really good shot this year to do something wonderful. I really want to be a part of a something like that.”If added to the 40-man roster, he would get a $3 million salary while in the major leagues and the chance to $9 million in performance bonuses: $300,000 for each start through 30.The 33-year-old Gonzalez will have a bullpen session Thursday and could pitch in a game Saturday. He had an 88-pitch simulated game Monday.“I told them, whenever they need me, however they need me, I’m ready to go,” Gonzalez said.Yankees ace Luis Severino is sidelined by right shoulder inflammation and will not be available until May at the earliest. In addition, CC Sabathia is likely to miss the first week or two as he recovers from an offseason that included knee surgery and the insertion of a stent after a blockage was found in an artery from his heart. Sabathia also must serve a five-game suspension for hitting Tampa Bay’s Jesus Sucre with a pitch in his last regular season start of 2018.Severino resumed playing catch Wednesday http://www.twinsfanproshop.com/authentic-max-kepler-jersey , making 25 throws at 60 feet.“Feels pretty normal,” Severino said. “I just feel a little bit off because I’ve been out for two weeks.”Sabathia will have his first minor league start Thursday.Masahiro Tanaka heads a rotation that includes James Paxton and J.A. Happ. Jonathan Loaisiga, Luis Cessa and Domingo German are competing for two open rotation spots.Gonzalez can opt out of his deal if he’s not added to the major league roster by April 20.Gonzalez is 127-97 with a 3.69 ERA in 11 major league seasons and just finished the second option season of a contract that wound up being worth $65.5 million over seven years.“I think he’s a great pitcher,” Severino said. “I think he’s a great guy. I see him like CC, a veteran guy that can pitch and knows the league and has been around a long time. I think it’s going to be a good thing for us.”Gonzalez was 10-11 with a 4.21 ERA last season for Washington and Milwaukee, which acquired him on Aug. 31. He was 3-0 in five starts for the Brewers down the stretch.