Fish Take First Back

After falling out of first place on Friday, the Marlins reclaimed the top spot in the National League East with a 7-3 win over the Philadelphia Phillies on Saturday. The fish fell behind early but took the lead in the 4th and never looked back. Ricky Nolasco turned in a great start and picked up the win facing off against Cole Hamels of the Phils. The fish now lead the East by a half game.

Nolasco gave up only 2 earned runs in 6.2 innings of work. The starter improved his record to 5-3 on the season while striking out 5 Phillies while allowing 4 hits. Renyel Pinto pitched an inning out of the pen and surrendered a solo HR while picking up 2 strikeouts. Matt Lindstrom finished off the 8th inning that Pinto started with a scoreless 1/3 of an inning. Kevin Gregg pitched the 9th perfectly to close out the game for the fish.

The Marlins hit 3 home runs in this game including Cody Ross’ 10th home run of the month which was also his 10th of the season. Jorge Cantu hit his 8th of the season. Luis Gonzalez hit his 4th long ball in a 2 hit and 2 R.B.I. game. Hanley Ramirez, Jeremy Hermida and Ross had 2 hit days as well.

The series ends on Sunday as the fish send Andrew Miller to the mound to take on Jamie Moyer.

Marlins Fall Out Of First

The Marlins lost their 3rd straight game on Friday and in the meantime, fell out of first place in the National League East. The final was 12-3 Phillies, putting Philadelphia a half of game ahead of the fish in the division. Mark Hendrickson made the start for the Marlins and struggled from the start in picking up the loss. The game started with the Marlins rocking Brett Myers for three runs in the first but it turned out to be the only runs the fish would score all game.

Hendrickson allowed 10 earned runs in 3.2 innings of work. The loss dropped his record to 7-3 and skyrocketed his E.R.A. to 5.26. The lefty walked three and struck out only one while allowing 7 hits. Burke Badenhop was first of the pen for the Marlins and allowed 1 earned run in 1.1 innings. Taylor Tankersley likewise pitched for 1.1 innings allowing an earned run. Justin Miller pitched two thirds of an inning and walked two batters while struggling once again. Joe Nelson pitched the 8th and did so with a perfect inning.

The game started well as Hanley Ramirez hit a line drive single on the first pitch of the contest. After a few more hits, the Marlins saw themselves up 3-0 with Brett Myers on the ropes. The Phillies had their bullpen active but the fish would not put across any more runs that inning. Afterwards Myers shut the fish down and kept them off the scoreboard. Luis Gonzalez had the only multi hit day for the Marlins as well as 2 runs batted in. Jorge Cantu added the other R.B.I. on the day.

On Saturday, the series will continue as Ricky Nolasco takes on Cole Hamels.

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