Dickerson's homer leads Marlins to game 1 win

*Photo from TSN*

Miami leads series 1-0

   The Miami Marlins haven't lost a playoff series in their existence. They aren't about to start now. Sandy Alcantara dazzled, Corey Dickerson homered, and the Marlins topped the Chicago Cubs 5-1 for a game one win in the NL Wild Card round. The Marlins have made the playoffs just two times in their existence prior to this season, and have won the world series both times, and the last time the Marlins were in Wrigley Field for the playoffs, they won the NL Pennant and advanced to the world series, which they won. 

   The game stayed scoreless for a while, but the Cubs finally broke through in the 5th inning, when Ian Happ hit a solo homer to left field, making it 1-0 Cubs. It stayed that way until the 7th inning, when the Marlins woke up. Dickerson started it with a 3 run homer to center field, putting the Marlins ahead 3-1. Later in the inning, Jesus Aguilar hit a two run shot to right field to make it 5-1, which remained for the rest of the game.

   The Marlins seemingly conjured up some playoff magic from years past to win this game, as they looked dead in the water until the 7th inning, when they scored 5 quick runs. The last time they scored at least 5 runs in an inning in the playoffs was in Wrigley Field in the 2003 NLCS, the infamous Steve Bartman game. 

   Alcantara got the win for the Marlins in his first career playoff start, pitching 6 2/3 dominant innings. Alcantara allowed one run on 3 hits and 3 walks, striking out 4 hitters. Brandon Kintzler worked the 9th inning to lock down the win for the Marlins. Richard Bleier and Yimi Garcia also pitched for the Marlins.

   Kyle Hendricks started the game for the Cubs, taking the loss. Hendricks threw 6 1/3 innings, allowing 3 runs on 5 hits and 3 walks, striking out 3 hitters. Jeremy Jeffress finished the 7th for Hendricks, allowing the two run homer to Aguilar. Dan Winkler, Ryan Tepera, and Andrew Chafin also pitched for the Cubs. 

   The series continues on Friday, where the Marlins look to sweep the Cubs and advance to the NLDS when Sixto Sanchez takes the mound. The Cubs look to stay alive as Yu Darvish takes the mound.