Marlins' Pete Fairbanks Records First Save of Season

Veteran reliever shuts down Rockies in 2-1 win

Mar. 28, 2026 at 1:52pm

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An abstract, expressionist painting featuring rapid, neon-colored brushstrokes that capture the intense energy and motion of a baseball pitcher delivering a pitch, with the ball and player's form dissolving into unrecognizable splatters of paint.A closer's dramatic final pitch seals a nail-biting victory for the Marlins, as the team's new star reliever continues his dominant start to the season.Fairbanks Today

Marlins pitcher Pete Fairbanks recorded his first save of the 2026 season, closing out a 2-1 victory over the Colorado Rockies on Friday. Fairbanks allowed a hit but struck out one batter in a scoreless ninth inning to secure the win.

Why it matters

Fairbanks was a dominant closer for the Tampa Bay Rays over the past three seasons, racking up 75 saves. His ability to stay healthy and continue that success will be crucial for the Marlins, who are hoping he can anchor their bullpen and lead them to the playoffs.

The details

In the ninth inning, Fairbanks gave up a one-out single to Rockies outfielder T.J. Rumfield. However, he was able to induce weak contact from Jordan Beck and Brenton Doyle to end the game and record the save.

  • Fairbanks recorded the save on Friday, March 28, 2026.

The players

Pete Fairbanks

A veteran relief pitcher who signed a one-year, $13 million deal with the Miami Marlins in the offseason after spending the last three seasons as the closer for the Tampa Bay Rays.

T.J. Rumfield

An outfielder for the Colorado Rockies who recorded a hit against Fairbanks in the ninth inning.

Jordan Beck

A Rockies player who made weak contact against Fairbanks to end the game.

Brenton Doyle

A Rockies player who made weak contact against Fairbanks to end the game.

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What’s next

Fairbanks will look to continue his strong start to the season and solidify his role as the Marlins' closer. The team will be counting on him to anchor their bullpen and help them make a push for the playoffs.

The takeaway

The Marlins made a savvy offseason move in signing Fairbanks, who has proven to be a dominant closer in recent years. If he can stay healthy, he could be the missing piece that helps the Marlins return to the postseason for the first time since 2020.