Griffin Conine's home run leads to Marlins' thrilling win over Pirates
- The Florida Marlins won 3-2 against the Pittsburgh Pirates in Miami on March 30, 2025, after a thrilling bottom of the ninth.
- Derek Hill contributed significantly by scoring the winning run after walking and advancing due to a throwing error.
- This victory marked the third walk-off win for the Marlins in their opening series against the Pirates.
On March 30, 2025, the Florida Marlins faced the Pittsburgh Pirates in a thrilling baseball game that concluded with a narrow 3-2 victory for the Marlins. The matchup took place at the Marlins' home field in Miami, where both teams displayed competitive energy throughout the contest. Andrew McCutchen, a standout player for the Pirates, launched a lead-off home run in the second inning, giving his team an early advantage. However, Miami quickly responded when Nick Fortes hit an RBI double to drive in Derek Hill, leveling the score at 1-1 going into the third inning. The Pirates regained the lead in the fifth inning when Isiah Kiner-Falefa hustled out an infield single that brought Endy Rodriguez home, making it 2-1. The intense atmosphere remained as the game unfolded, with the Marlins managing to equalize in the bottom of the seventh inning. Griffin Conine, son of Marlins legend Jeff Conine, demonstrated his prowess at the plate with a solo home run that tied the game at 2-2. With the score still tied in the bottom of the ninth, the Marlins executed a key play that would decide the game. Derek Hill walked to start the inning and then advanced to third base on a throwing error following a steal. Hill ultimately scored the winning run on a wild pitch by Pirates pitcher David Bednar, sealing the victory for the Marlins. This win marked the third walk-off victory in the Marlins' opening four-game series against the Pirates, showcasing their determination and resilience at the beginning of the season. This particular game also carried sentimental weight as Jeff Conine was inducted into the Marlins' Hall of Fame earlier that day. Known affectionately as 'Mr. Marlin,' Jeff Conine played an instrumental role in the team's World Series victories in 1997 and 2003. The events of this game, along with the Hall of Fame induction, created a memorable day for the Conine family and Marlins fans alike. Miami's victory not only highlighted their competitive edge but also set a historic precedence as they became the first team since the Tampa Bay Rays in 2003 to win their opening three games of the season with walk-offs.