Gordon's dash to 100 hits sets Marlins record
Second baseman reaches century mark in 65th game
CINCINNATI -- Only three times in Marlins history has a player reached the 200-hit plateau for a season. Dee Gordon is halfway there, well before the midway point.
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Gordon's single in the eighth inning of Miami's 5-0 loss Friday night to the Reds at Great American Ball Park was his 100th hit, and it came in the second baseman's 65th game. No player in club history has got to the century mark faster.
Gordon's feat has proven extremely rare. Since 1961, he is the sixth National League player to collect 100 hits in 65 or fewer games. He joins an impressive list: Ralph Garr of the Braves needed 62 games in 1974 to get his 100th hit. The others were Pittsburgh's Matty Alou (63 games) in 1969, Colorado's Andres Galarraga (63) in 1993, San Diego's Tony Gwynn (63) in 1997 and Colorado's Larry Walker (65) in 1997.
The only Marlins to post 200-hit seasons are Juan Pierre and Hanley Ramirez. Pierre did it twice -- 221 in 2004, and 204 in 2003. Ramirez had 212 hits in 2007.
Gordon has been Miami's catalyst at the leadoff spot.
"For him to step up and be that consistent, out of the gate, the way he's done, and he continues to do it, has been huge for us," Miami manager Dan Jennings said. "He's having a special year -- 100 hits at this point. We're not even at the All-Star break.
"Certainly hope it continues. Don't see any reason that it won't. He's spraying the ball all over the place. He's fun to watch right now."