Marlins prevail in one of their longest games ever

ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. — The Marlins had lost three straight and nine of 10. Getting back on the winning track took a bit longer than normal.

On Saturday night, the Marlins prevailed, outlasting the Rays, 4-3, in 15 innings at Tropicana Field.

The game lasted 5-hours, 7-minutes, before Heath Bell struck out the side in order. The final out came at 12:22 a.m. ET Sunday morning.

The Marlins had not played a game that long since losing 7-6 to the Cardinals in 20 innings on April 27, 2003. That was the longest game in club history.

LONGEST MARLINS GAMES

4/27/03: 20 innings 7-6 loss to Cardinals at Sun Life Stadium

6/8/98: 17 innings 4-3 win over Blue Jays at Sun Life Stadium

8/20/99: 16 innings 6-4 loss to Astros at Sun Life Stadium

7/12/02: 16 innings 5-4 loss to Cubs at Wrigley Field

8/10/93: 15 innings 3-2 win over Cubs at Sun Life Stadium

5/11/95: 15 innings 3-1 loss to Reds at Sun Life Stadium

6/18/96: 15 innings 9-8 loss to Giants at 3Com Park

6/19/96: 15 innings 7-4 loss to Giants at 3Com Park

6/16/12: 15 innings 4-3 win over Rays at Tropicana Field

– Joe Frisaro