Jacob Lombard spent Saturday afternoon in the middle of everything for Jupiter - first as the guy taking the punishment, then as the guy handing it back.
The Marlins’ first-round pick in this year’s Draft and Miami’s No. 4 prospect was hit by a 96.6 mph sinker off his left forearm in the second inning of the Hammerheads’ game against St. Lucie at Roger Dean Chevrolet Stadium. After a trainer checked on him, Lombard stayed in the game, reached base, and later scored Jupiter’s first run.
He wasn’t done there.
In the next inning, the 6-foot-3 shortstop stepped back in and nearly got clipped again on an inside pitch that was ruled a foul ball. Lombard kept the at-bat alive, then turned on a 96 mph fastball and drove it over the right-field fence and into the bullpen, where pitchers scrambled to get out of the way. It was the second home run of his professional career.
That blast helped power Jupiter to a 3-1 win over the Mets, with Lombard involved in all three of the Hammerheads’ runs. The victory also came on the birthday of Hammy, the club’s mascot.
Lombard is still only nine games into his pro career, and the early numbers show a player still settling in. He has struck out in 14 of his first 32 at-bats, but he’s also shown off his 65-grade run tool with five stolen bases and has seven RBIs.
He already has one of the more memorable pro debuts around, too. On the same day his brother George Jr. debuted for the Yankees, Lombard homered in his first game as a pro.
In Other News...
Marlins Offense Is Suddenly Putting Their Playoff Push In Danger
The Marlins still have a winning record at 62-61, but the offense that helped fuel a four-game surge has cooled at the worst possible time. Miami has seen its recent hit and run production dip, and the timing matters with the club trying to stay in the NL Wild Card race and keep pace in a crowded chase.
Between the Pirates finale and the Reds opener, the lineup managed just seven hits and one run, a reminder of how quickly an encouraging stretch can turn fragile. FanGraphs now gives Miami only a 7.7% shot at the playoffs, and the Phillies sit three games ahead for the final Wild Card spot, leaving the Marlins with little margin if the bats do not wake up soon. [Read more 🡒]
Marlins Fans Still Remember This Late Comeback From The 1996 Club
Long before the Marlins became known for anything else, the 1996 club gave fans a home finish they still talk about. In the final game of a three-game sweep of the Rockies, Miami trailed late before dgar Rentera sparked the rally with a two-run single, Alex Arias kept it alive with a game-tying double, and Jeff Conine followed with a go-ahead sacrifice fly in the final at-bat.
It was the kind of win that fit that first Marlins season, when the team was finding its footing but still showing a knack for playing Colorado well at home. Miami ended up finishing 1996 with a franchise-best record of 80-82, and for many fans, that comeback remains one of the clearest memories from a year that helped define the clubs early identity. [Read more 🡒]