The Miami Marlins split Friday’s doubleheader with the Washington Nationals with the win coming in a 5-2 nightcap. That followed a 7-4 loss in the first game but the night ended on a sour note with Emilio Bonifacio having to leave the field with an apparent injury to his left thumb. Bonifacio dove for a grounder with two outs in the night and was forced to exit while grabbing the same thumb he had surgery on in May. Nick Green will have his contract purchased and replace Bonifacio on the roster.
Brad Hand was tagged with the loss in game one allowing seven runs in only three and two third innings. The young lefty who was optioned back to AAA between games showed a lack of control walking six and throwing 96 pitches overall. In game two, Josh Johnson was brilliant coming within one out of a complete game. The eight and two third inning effort was Johnson’s longest since 2010 and featured nine strikeouts to go along with no walks. After the grounder up the middle in the ninth that Bonifacio dove for, Johnson was lifted in favor of Steve Cishek. The Marlins’ closer finished off the game striking out the only batter he faced to earn his sixth save of the year.
Jose Reyes led off each game with a bunt single to extend his hitting streak to a National League leading 22 games. Reyes is now one short of the MLB high for 2012 which is held by Robinson Cano of the New York Yankees. The Marlins’ franchise record is 35 games and that is held by Luis Castillo, a mark set in 2002. Donnie Murphy who doubled in the first game was lifted due to a left hamstring strain. Murphy may see time at second base once healthy if Bonifacio misses significant time.
On Saturday, the Marlins will look to win a second game in a row when they are scheduled to send Mark Buehrle to the mound to oppose Jordan Zimmermann.
About Larry Walansky
