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Miami Marlins outfielder Jazz Chisholm gave an interesting excuse when asked about why his team failed to win a game against the Pirates in the season opening series. He said having to play outdoors was to blame as the club is used to competing in a more controlled setting.
More specifically, he blamed the daylight shadows in his reasoning of why Marlins hitters were unsuccessful at the dish, and he’s quickly being blasted by baseball fans.
The weekend couldn’t have gone much worse for Miami as they fell in all four games to Pittsburgh despite being favored in each. A common theme played out in a pair of those matchups with the Marlins building early leads before allowing the Pirates to come back.
In the first game of the series, the home team jumped out to a 5-2 lead before losing in 12 innings, 6-5. The Marlins didn’t score a run after the fifth inning of action.
In the series finale, that same storyline arose once again as Miami got out to a 5-0 first inning lead before falling 9-7 in extra innings.
It was a heartbreaking start to the year for the Marlins, who couldn’t seem to figure out Pittsburgh’s bullpen. Jazz Chisholm thinks he knows why.
“We’re not used to playing in shadows; we normally play inside every day. When we get a shadow for 3/4 games at home for the first time this season, it’s kind of hard to adjust to. We’re used to the roof being closed and being able to see every at-bat…”
🎙 Jazz Chisholm Jr. pic.twitter.com/TfbeQBXf9O
— Bally Sports Florida: Marlins (@BallyMarlins) March 31, 2024
“We’re not used to playing in shadows,” the centerfielder said after Sunday’s loss. “We normally play inside every day. When we get a shadow for 3/4 games at home for the first time this season, it’s kind of hard to adjust to. We’re used to the roof being closed and being able to see every at-bat.”
Many on social media quickly blasted what they believed to be a cop out for being swept at home by one of the league’s perceived cellar dwellers.
“Nahh, this has got to be a joke.”
“Baseball – famously unplayable during the daytime.”
“The Pirates had to play in the exact conditions… Just take the L and move on.”
“I’m just curious, did the other team have to play in the shadows, too, or was it just the Marlins? I’ll hang up and listen.”
“Are we really complaining about playing baseball outdoors.”
It was a tough series for everyone on the Marlins, Jazz Chisholm included. The outfielder hit .143 with seven strikeouts on the weekend though he did have a first inning home run in the series finale.
Miami will hope to get back on track against the Angels.