Fightin' Fish

The Marlins once again proved last night that the never-say-die spirit which helped lead them to a World Series championship last year is still alive and well - after giving up five runs to the Phillies in the 6th inning, Florida then scored five runs in the 7th to claw their way back into the game, which they won 8-7 in extra innings. The offense was fuelled by Mike Lowell, who set a franchise record by becoming the first ever Marlin to homer three times in a game (including one off Phillies closer Billy Wagner).

The Marlins are now sitting pretty atop the division, with a 10-4 record. I know we have to use the habitual caveat - "It's only April" - but this is still a team to be reckoned with, and my guess is that they'll be there or thereabouts come playoff time. Ladbrokes currently has them at 20-1 to win the Series - if you fancy making a bit of money in October, they might well be worth a bet.