Marlins vs. Cardinals

The Marlins home park marks the final Major League ballpark before I visit Ballpark #30 in Atlanta. It is the park of which I decided that Atlanta would be my 30th only because I didn’t want it to be Miami. And still, Ballpark #29 still warrants some celebration, even it is not as big of a celebration as #30 will be.

Miami is also one of the two key pillars that makes the Big Florida Trip worth planning. This Monday night game highlights Day 4 of the Big Florida Trip. I was hoping we would get to see an opened roof, but Day 4 is the only day of the trip to get rain (and a downpour of it) so, in that sense, it’s a blessing that loanDepot has a roof.

Pregame Tour

One of the minor ways I celebrated Ballpark #29 was to take the pregame tour. As far as ballpark tours go, I really enjoyed all the guides were able to share with our group include the naunces of loanDepot Park and the history of the Marlins franchise.

Seat Selection

Section 12 Row 12 (Behind home plate)

Overall, it’s rare to get a ticket for seat behind home plate for $30. At the Marlins’ home park, it probably happens often.

Although loanDepot Park has a capacity of over 37,000, this Monday night matchup only had just over 8,000 fans. For most Marlins home page, the upper deck remains closed. Still, the ballpark does not give a sense of emptiness. (It definitely does not make you feel it is full.)

Considering the price I paid with the location of my seat, I definitely felt the value of my baseball experience at my 29th Major League ballpark.

My friend, Rachel, a Miami local and Ballpark Pass-Port STAMPeder, would join me for the game. Although I am traveling the Big Florida trip solo, I look forward to meeting up with people along the way because of the journey to thirty.

Ballpark Food of Choice

The Machete

For this first visit at loanDepot Park, I had to try the ballpark’s signature food item.

The Machete is a two-foot long quesadilla with beef barria, mozzarella and Oxaca cheese, pepper sauce, salsa verde, and cilantro. Thankfully, they cut it up in threes because I could only finish two of those pieces. (I left the third piece for Rachel.)

Game Highlights

This matchup between the Marlins and Cardinals would stay close for most of the game.

Pitcher, Max Meyer, would throw 8 strikeouts in 5.1 innings.

In the bottom of the sixth inning, in the Marlins would score two runs to take the lead 4-2.

Designated hitter, Liam Hicks, would go 2-for-4 with two singles and two RBI.

The Marlins would beat the Cardinals 5-3 to take the first game of the series.