NBA legend Michael Jordan gave us the “Flu Game” in 1997. Tuesday brought its spiritual successor, German Marquez’s career-defining “Imodium Game.”
The Rockies ace was feeling under the weather but took the mound as scheduled Tuesday against visiting San Diego, holding Colorado’s division rival to one hit through his first six innings before an appreciative crowd of 28,139 in the Mile High City. Marquez would run out of gas (no pun intended) in the seventh, ultimately scattering five hits and three earned runs over 6 1/3 standout innings. But even with the Friars breaking through for a trio of solo home runs (one courtesy of MVP frontrunner Fernando Tatis Jr.), it was still a courageous effort put forth by the 6’1” right-hander who, according to manager Bud Black, spent much of the night battling digestive issues.
Not only did Marquez notch his 11th victory of 2021 and eighth at Coors Field (where he remarkably owns a 3.13 ERA this season), but the first-time All-Star was also productive at the dish, contributing a pair of base hits including an RBI double to plate Elias Diaz in the sixth inning. Marquez has always been a competent hitter relative to his position, achieving Silver Slugger status in 2018 (.300 AVG in 60 at-bats that season).
Playing through diarrhea is no picnic—Yankees veteran Chan Ho Park famously blamed it for his off night against the Red Sox in 2010, much to the amusement of assembled media members and teammate Mariano Rivera, who couldn’t keep a straight face as Park recounted his harrowing experience afterwards.
Whether Marquez was battling nerves, feeling the dire effects of whatever pre-game meal he consumed or some nightmare combination of the two, the 26-year-old from Venezuela would have been well-served popping an Imodium. In fact, former big-leaguer Dan Haren took one almost every time he pitched for that reason.
It’s been a rough week for the Padres, who, in the span of a few days, have lost to a pitcher ailing from diarrhea while also being no-hit by Diamondbacks rookie Tyler Gilbert in his first career start. Marquez, who took a no-hitter into the ninth inning against Pittsburgh earlier this year, will make his next appearance Monday against the Cubs, who snapped a 12-game losing skid with their win Tuesday at Cincinnati.
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