MIAMI -- Rockies closer Zach Agnos acknowledges that he has to fight that “here we go” feeling after giving up a leadoff ninth-inning hit. But not Monday night while protecting a two-run lead against the Marlins, when something special was at work.
What happened next was “like the movie ‘Angels in the Outfield’ … a little bit of help from above,” he said.
The Marlins’ Agustín Ramírez blooped one that fell between second baseman Thairo Estrada and right fielder Tyler Freeman. But the ball bounced divinely to Freeman, who threw to second to force out Jesús Sánchez. Agnos then induced a Kyle Stowers double play to close out the Rockies’ 6-4 victory over the Marlins at loanDepot park.
After an outing at Wrigley Field on Tuesday, Agnos learned that his grandfather -- a former Minor League pitcher and the foundation of his love of baseball, George Miller -- had passed away at 85 after spending his final days in hospice care in Richmond, Va. But Mr. Miller celebrated his grandson’s promotion to the Majors on April 20.
Agnos' tears after hearing the news on Tuesday, the support of his teammates and the Rockies, and, most of all, the presence he felt from above all culminated Monday, when he earned his fourth save of the season.
“I’m a man of faith,” said Agnos, who will leave the team Tuesday on bereavement leave and attend services in Richmond on Wednesday. “I believe he’s watching every game, and he’s with me every step of the way.”
The victory -- which included two home runs from catcher Hunter Goodman and starter Germán Márquez overcoming an early 4-1 deficit to go five innings for the win -- improved the Rockies to 10-50. It’s still the worst 60-game start in the Modern Era (since 1900) and tied with the 1889 Louisville Colonels for the third-worst ever.
But Agnos’ story speaks to what history is really about -- a story that lives in descendants.
His birth certificate says Zach George Agnos, meaning he was named after the father of his mother, Lee Agnos. His eldest brother, John Nicholas Agnos, is named after his paternal grandfather. The love of baseball went to John, and to Jake Agnos, a former Yankees pitching prospect.
Agnos also carries the spirit of his father, Niko Agnos, who passed away from COVID-19 while Zach was a star shortstop and pitcher at East Carolina.
Agnos was a 10th-round Rockies pick in the 2022 MLB Draft. He rose quickly because of a four-pitch mix -- a solid mid-to-upper 90s fastball, a split-finger changeup, a sweeper and a cutter. He used them all Monday night.
Four pitches and a family legacy were too much for the Marlins.
“I can’t put it into words,” Agnos said. “I know [my grandfather] is not here physically, but I feel his presence tonight. I feel my dad’s presence every single time when I’m out there.”
Agnos said his teammates know what family means to him, and they supported him in his grief when the news of his grandfather’s death reached the visitors' clubhouse at Wrigley.
“I was upset, started crying in the kitchen,” he said. “Ryan McMahon pulled me in, gave me a big hug, a good embrace, and talked to me. And everybody else did. Showing up at the field every day gets your mind off it, and we have a great group of guys who truly care about you.
“‘Schaeff’ pulled me aside after the game and said, 'Do what you need to do. Go be with your family. I’ll be thinking and praying for you.' It’s incredible out of your leader that runs the ship. From top to bottom, from [general manager] Bill Schmidt to everybody, it’s been a class act all the way through.”
Goodman’s third career multihomer game, first on the road, provided the early lead. As the catcher, Goodman was the first to reach Agnos postgame. No inspirational words were spoken, but it was the thought that counted.
Well, that and Goodman’s bat.
“I’ll give that guy a hug as long as he wants,” Agnos said, “as long as he hits two home runs a game.”