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THE
DONTRELLE WILLIS COLLECTION
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Easley does it: Marlins grab opener By Joe Frisaro / MLB.com / Posted 08/30/2004 NEW YORK -- Staked to a two-run lead in the sixth inning, Willis was touched for three runs in the bottom of the inning and was lifted with one out. In 5 1/3 innings, the D-Train allowed four runs on 10 hits, including three home runs. "We get the lead, and Dontrelle can't hold it," McKeon said. "Dontrelle, he's learning. He's still a young guy. But sooner or later, if we want to win, we're going to have to get Dontrelle and Josh [Beckett] to step up. They will." Full Story > Marlins
fall after too many walks Marlins
tripped up by San Diego D-Train staying on track By JR Radcliffe / MLB.com / Posted 08/19/2004 SAN DIEGO -- All arms and legs on the mound, Dontrelle Willis uncurls at hitters in a bunch of different directions. When he is on, the Marlins' animated left-hander is nearly unhittable. But when he's off, he can swerve out of control. Now more than halfway through his sophomore season, the 2003 National League Rookie of the Year is enjoying a modest campaign -- a respectable 9-8 record with a 3.72 ERA. Not exactly a sophomore slump. Full Story > Willis, Conine are just grand By JR Radcliffe / MLB.com / Posted 08/14/2004 MILWAUKEE -- Jeff Conine's grand slam delivered the first punch in an Aug. 7 win against the Brewers. On Saturday, Conine's second slam in a week delivered the last one. Willis faced his toughest jam in the seventh, allowing an RBI double to third baseman Wes Helms and putting two on base with one out. But Willis, who had only won once in his previous five starts entering Saturday's action, struck out Ben Grieve and induced an inning-ending bounce-out from Scott Podsednik. Full Story > Willis shines, but Marlins fall By Joe Frisaro / MLB.com / Posted 08/08/2004 MIAMI -- On a day Dontrelle Willis established a career high for strikeouts, the D-Train and Marlins sustained a disappointing 2-0 loss at the hands of the Brewers. Despite allowing two runs in the fourth inning, Willis posted one of his finest performances. After striking out the side in the seventh, the 22-year-old from Alameda, Calif., notched his 10th strikeout of the game. Full Story > Marlins drop close one to D-Backs By Jack Magruder / MLB.com / Posted 08/04/2004 PHOENIX -- After falling twice to Montreal over the weekend, Florida ran its losing streak to three games in a 5-3 loss before 28,828 at Bank One Ballpark. Willis did not give up a hit until the fourth, but his error in that inning enabled the first of two D-Backs runs to score. "He's a very excitable guy," said manager Jack McKeon of Willis. "He wants to get into every play. It cost him there. If he backs up the play instead of getting in the way, he's home with one less run." Full Story > Phils unable to solve Willis By Joe Frisaro / MLB.com / Posted 07/29/2004 MIAMI -- The Marlins clicked on all cylinders Thursday as they banged out 15 hits and got a strong outing from Dontrelle Willis. Florida has now won 14 straight over the Phillies at Pro Player Stadium. "We always battle," said Willis, who picked up his first victory since beating the Mets on July 11. "We definitely stay up when we aren't playing well. This is all fun when we are executing well. This shows we definitely have some pep in our step, and we definitely still feel that we can win this." Full Story > Ricky's move floors Willis By Pierre Moussette / Special to MLB.com / Posted 07/25/2004 MONTREAL -- South Florida sports fans received some heart-stopping news when it was reported that Ricky Williams told the Dolphins that he was hanging up his cleats at the young age of 27 with just five years of pro experience and just days before NFL training camp opens. "It's kind of out of nowhere. I wish him all the best, though," Dontrelle Willis said. Full Story > Defensive miscues cost Marlins By Joe Frisaro / MLB.com / Posted 07/24/2004 MONTREAL -- Dontrelle Willis faced just one batter over the minimum through five innings, but a three-run sixth inning sank the Marlins and the D-Train. Willis (7-6) was masterful for the first five frames, retiring the first 10 batters he faced before Jamey Carroll doubled in the fourth. With the way Willis was pitching early on, it appeared that the two-run lead he was spotted would suffice. However, the home team got things going thanks to a couple Florida miscues. Full Story > Marlins end skid with comeback win By Joe Frisaro / MLB.com / Posted 07/19/2004 NEW YORK -- The Mets appeared to finally have found a way to beat left-hander Dontrelle Willis, who battled in seven innings, giving up five runs (four earned). Willis remains 5-0 against the Mets. "I knew coming it was going to be a battle," Willis said. "There were only four batters and they were up, 3-0. But there was a lot of ballgame there. It could have swung one way with them blowing me out, or we could swing it and be in the ballgame." Full Story > Willis, Conine guide Fish to victory By Joe Frisaro / MLB.com / Posted 07/11/2004 MIAMI -- Staked to a 4-0 lead, lefty Dontrelle Willis spaced three hits through six shutout innings. He actually carried a one-hitter into the fifth, before Shane Spencer and Mike Cameron hit consecutive singles. But Willis pitched his way out of that jam, forcing Vance Wilson to fly out and pinch-hitter Jose Reyes to ground out to propell the Marlins to a 5-2 victory. Full Story > Willis finds his groove to beat Bucs By Joe Frisaro / MLB.com / Posted 07/06/2004 MIAMI -- Dontrelle Willis regained his rhythm as the 22-year-old lefty gave up one run on five hits in six innings as the Marlins rallied to a 6-3 win over the Pirates, halting Pittsburgh's winning streak at 10 at Pro Player Stadium. Full Story > Fish stay afloat By Joe Frisaro / MLB.com / Posted 06/29/2004 ATLANTA -- In danger of slipping into second place in the NL East, the Marlins relied on the power of Mike Lowell and Miguel Cabrera to prevail in a tension-filled 5-4 victory over the Braves. The struggles continue for Willis, who, for the third straight start, couldn't go deeper than 4 2/3 innings. Full Story > Fish can't finish off sweep By Joe Frisaro / MLB.com / Posted 06/24/2004 MIAMI -- Normally the Marlins are in good shape when Dontrelle Willis is matched against National League East rivals. The D-Train entered Thursday with a 10-1 mark and a 2.05 ERA when facing divisional opponents. But the Braves abruptly put an end to Willis' impressive record by storming past the Marlins, 9-4. Full Story > D-Train derailed by Rangers By Joe Frisaro / MLB.com / Posted 06/19/2004 MIAMI -- Heavy rains could have created a complete washout on what was shaping up as a lackluster evening for the Marlins. Fresh off a complete-game win at Detroit, Willis (6-4) had his shortest outing in six starts. The left-hander was rocky, giving up seven runs (four earned) on nine hits with four strikeouts and two walks. The Rangers connected on two home runs off the D-Train. Full Story > Dontrelle's 20th win a complete-game gem By Joe Frisaro / MLB.com / Posted 06/13/2004 DETROIT -- The D-Train cruised to his 20th career win on Sunday, propelled by eight strikeouts and backed by a lineup that served up a powerful punch. Flip-flopping the top of the batting order reversed the Marlins' luck on Sunday afternoon. The two speedsters created havoc, combining for seven hits, six runs, three RBIs and a stolen base in the Marlins' 9-2 rout of the Tigers. Dontrelle Willis (6-3) enjoyed the run support and coasted for his second complete game of the season (he went the distance in Houston, on May 18) and 20th career win. The 22-year-old left-hander struck out eight and walked none, tossing 108 pitches. He is the only Marlins hurler to pitch a complete game this season. Full Story > Homers win it for Marlins in ninth By Joe Frisaro / MLB.com / Posted 06/8/2004 CLEVELAND -- Down to their last out, the Marlins rekindled some of their postseason magic in the place the franchise won its first World Series title. Miguel Cabrera and Damion Easley each ripped home runs off the left-field foul pole with two outs in the ninth inning to rally the Marlins to a 7-5 win over the Indians. Dontrelle Willis was lifted after five innings plus one batter. The 22-year-old gave up three runs, one earned, on eight hits with five strikeouts, a walk and two hit batters. Full Story > Willis' ride to perfection stalls By Joe Frisaro / MLB.com / Posted 06/2/2004 MIAMI -- With Dontrelle Willis seven outs from a perfect game Wednesday, the National League's leading hitter ended his dream for immortality. The Reds' Sean Casey, who came in hitting a league-best .389, lofted Willis' first pitch into left field for a single. Almost in unison, the crowd of 12,222 at Pro Player Stadium rose and began cheering to show their appreciation for the distinguished pitching performance. Full Story > Willis continues mastery of Mets By Joe Frisaro / MLB.com / Posted 05/28/2004 MIAMI -- Some tinkering with his mechanics got the D-Train back in gear. Hot or cold of late, Marlins left-hander Dontrelle Willis enjoyed a nice bounce-back outing after two straight starts where he gave up nine runs over nine innings. Able to remain under control, the 22-year-old gave up one run on four hits in seven innings and the Marlins scratched out enough offense to beat the Mets, 2-1, before 25,299 fans at Pro Player Stadium Friday night. Full Story > Marlins' win streak ends By Joe Frisaro / MLB.com / Posted 05/23/2004 MIAMI -- When you pitch against Randy Johnson, there is little margin for error. For four innings, Dontrelle Willis was getting the better of the overpowering left-hander. But the wheels came off the D-Train with two outs in the fifth inning. Full Story > Willis, Beckett host TWIB By Joe Frisaro / MLB.com / Posted 05/20/2004 MIAMI -- Hitch a ride to the park with Josh Beckett and watch Dontrelle Willis demonstrate the art of different pitches this Saturday on the opening episode of the season of "This Week In Baseball." Beckett and Willis are co-hosts of the popular half-hour show that airs on Fox before the game of the week. Full Story > Willis shaky against Astros By Joe Frisaro / MLB.com / Posted 05/18/2004 MIAMI -- The first time he faced the Astros, six days ago, Dontrelle Willis made quick work by tossing the only complete game of the Marlins' season. After an efficient, 91-pitch, complete-game performance last Thursday in Houston, Willis on Tuesday gave up five runs on 11 hits, with four walks, and a hit batter. Full Story > Willis, Lowell help Marlins rebound By Joe Frisaro / MLB.com / Posted 05/12/2004 HOUSTON -- Facing the Astros for the first time, Willis registered his second nine-inning complete game. The other was a masterful one-hit shutout over the Mets on June 16, 2003, when the Marlins held on, 1-0. Willis (4-1) turned in the first complete game by a Marlin this season, scattering two runs on six hits while striking out one. Full Story > D-Train makes first stop in Houston By Joe Frisaro / MLB.com / Posted 05/12/2004 In his young big-league career, Marlins left-hander Dontrelle Willis has experienced a number of challenges. As a rookie last season, the 22-year-old enjoyed a meteoric rise to stardom, making the All-Star team, winning a World Series ring and being named Rookie of the Year. But along with the highs, Willis certainly suffered some lows. One test Willis has yet to face is the Astros' imposing lineup. Full Story > Willis welded strong by mother By Joe Frisaro / MLB.com / Posted 05/07/2004 MIAMI -- Seeing her son play in person is not as nerve racking as it is watching him on TV. Actually, Joyce Harris gets so hyped up when her son, Dontrelle Willis, is pitching that she can't bear to watch. It's easy to see where Willis, the second-year Marlins pitcher, gets all his energy. Like mother, like son. Full Story > Long balls shorten Willis' night By Joe Frisaro / MLB.com / Posted 05/06/2004 MIAMI -- Bouncing back from their first shutout of the season, the Dodgers flexed plenty of home run power Thursday and derailed the Marlins 9-4 in front of 16,109 at Pro Player Stadium. Left-hander Dontrelle Willis (3-1) was tagged for two home runs and five runs over five innings. Reliever Nate Bump allowed a pair of home runs in the seventh inning when the Dodgers broke the game open. Full Story > Marlins, D-Train off track by the Bay By Joe Frisaro / MLB.com / Posted 04/30/2004 SAN FRANCISCO -- Dontrelle Willis had a wild return to the Bay Area. In the shadows of his Alameda, Calif., home, the energetic Marlins left-hander turned in his worst Major League outing on a night he couldn't gain command of the plate. Full Story > D-Train rolls into San Francisco By Joe Frisaro / MLB.com / Posted 04/29/2004 It's another homecoming for Dontrelle Willis. The energetic 22-year-old left-hander goes for his fourth victory Friday night when the Marlins face the Giants in the second game of their four-game series at SBC Park. Willis, who lives in Alameda, Calif., will have a number of family members and friends at the park. The D-Train has allowed only two runs in 25 1/3 innings this season, and the Marlins are 3-1 in his starts. Full Story > Marlins drop series finale By Joe Frisaro / MLB.com / Posted 04/25/2004 MIAMI -- Good things tend to happen for the Marlins on nights Dontrelle Willis pitches. Sunday was an exception. While Willis was effective for six innings, the Braves battered the Marlins bullpen an inning later. The 22-year-old Willis recovered from a rocky first two innings and finished with a respectable outing, giving up two runs on seven hits with three walks and three strikeouts. Full Story > Willis remains a pitcher of perfection By Joe Frisaro / MLB.com / Posted 04/20/2004 PHILADELPHIA -- Dontrelle Willis isn't perfect after all. But his numbers are pretty close. At the plate, Willis didn't record a hit Tuesday night. Instead, the 22-year-old left-hander took care of the Phillies the more conventional way, with his arm. Willis gave up one unearned run in 6 2/3 innings, keeping his ERA a clean 0.00, and the Marlins beat the Phillies 3-1 before 36,479 at Citizens Bank Park. Full Story > Pitching and batting 1.000 By Dontrelle Willis / MLB.com / Posted 04/19/2004 Stringing together seven straight hits is great, don't get me wrong, but I'd rather it be a streak of seven consecutive wins. As a pitcher, I do enjoy hitting. I try to do whatever it takes to win a game. I just don't want it to get to the point where if I go 0-for-my-next-30 people are going to ask, 'What the heck is the problem?' It's just one of those things where I'm just trying to go out there and put pressure on the opposition. That's all. Full Story > Willis becoming a dual threat By Joe Frisaro / MLB.com / Posted 04/14/2004 SAN JUAN -- About the only thing Dontrelle Willis didn't do on Wednesday night was complete the cycle. Given one more at-bat, he might have. Get this. For the season, Willis is 6-for-6 at the plate, batting a perfect 1.000. From the mound he's 2-0, and hasn't allowed a run in 12 2/3 innings. Full Story > Marlins ride D-Train to victory By Joe Frisaro / MLB.com / Posted 04/14/2004 SAN JUAN -- Everything is just perfect these days for Dontrelle Willis. His 0.00 ERA and 1.000 batting average over two starts prove it. Willis put on a hitting and pitching clinic on Wednesday night in the Marlins' 9-0 win over the Expos before an amazed crowd of 13,180 at Hiram Bithorn Stadium. Full Story > Willis simply brilliant in win By Joe Frisaro / MLB.com / Posted 04/08/2004 MIAMI -- So much for a sophomore slump. In his first start, Marlins left-hander Dontrelle Willis resembled both a Cy Young Award winner and a batting champ. Simply brilliant, the 22-year-old tossed 7 2/3 scoreless innings, striking out eight and walking one. Full Story > Decaffinated Willis By Joe Frisaro / MLB.com / Posted 03/14/2004 All arms and legs on the mound, Marlins left-hander Dontrelle Willis has to consciously curb his enthusiasm. With his high leg-kick and high energy level, Willis literally has to slow himself down when pitching. This spring, Willis is working on slowing himself down. Full Story > D-Train on track, ready to roll into '04 By Joe Frisaro / MLB.com / Posted 01/27/2004 Dontrelle
Willis was one of the game's best stories in the first half of
last season, but slipped noticeably after the break. Now, armed
with a Rookie of the Year Award and World Series ring, Willis
is geared for whatever role the Marlins throw at him. |
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