Florida Marlins: Closer Leo Nunez keeps rolling, heading toward elite company

The Marlins had a 5-0 lead in the ninth late Tuesday. Because Leo Nunez entered with one out and the bases loaded, and the tying run on deck, it was a save situation. He got two fly balls and registered his major league-leading 18th save in as many opportunities. That’s already the longest run of consecutive saves to start a season in Marlins history. Robb Nen in 1994 and Kevin Gregg in 2007 each converted their first 15 chances. The only other Marlins closer to save as many as 10 to open a season before blowing one was Armando Benitez (2004). Todd Jones holds the all-time franchise record for consecutive saves. He converted 27 in a row from June 11-Sept. 13, 2005. Bryan Harvey had 21 straight from April 10-June 25 during the inaugural 1993 season. Nunez is next on the list with 19, the first of those coming last season. To put a little perspective on Nunez’s run, if he converts his next two chances he would become the 11th National League pitcher to begin a season with ...