Marlins 18 Nationals 9
Timely Hitting
Those are the two words to describe this offensive surge which saw 46 Marlin at-bats, 19 hits, and only five left on base. Of the 18 runs, only three runs came from a pair of homeruns hit by Miguel Cabrera and Josh Willingham in the first inning. The Fish manufactured 15 runs off six singles, four doubles, a Jose Vidro throwing error, and a sacrifice ground out. All Marlin starters earned a hit last night expect for outfielders Jeremy Hermida and Reggie Abercrombie. Six of those seven starters had multi-hit games.
The Marlins came within two runs of tying their franchise record of 20 set in a 2003 game against the Braves. Hard to believe that such a cheap team can master opposing pitchers in a divisional game. Dan Uggla and Josh Willingham lead the offensive surge with four hits a piece. Uggla ended the night with two doubles and four RBI.
The 7-4 lead held by the Marlins was blown wide open thanks to eight runs scored in the top of the fifth inning. It was a team effort tonight; the eight runs were scored due to five singles, a double, and a throwing error.
Rookie Yusmeiro Petit's prayers for run support in his first career start must have been answered. Although Petit's numbers were not lights out (6 IP, 11 hits, 5 ER), when your offense scores 18, it's easy to throw strikes and win games. Another product fresh out of Albuquerque, Renyel Pinto picked up his first save of the season as he got the last nine outs in the game allowing four runs and striking out five.
The Marlins closed their offense in the seventh after back to back doubles from Willingham and Wes Helms scored three runs. The Fish went 1-9 to close the game out after getting 18 hits.
Wacky Stat of the Night:
Washington Nationals pitcher Saul Riveria 0.1 IP 8 ER
Thursday Matinee:
Thursday's game will feature Marlin rookie Anibal Sanchez (1-0, 6.30) opposing former Marlin rookie great Livan Hernandez (6-8, 5.46). Sanchez's start will mean the Nationals have faced nothing but rookie starters during this four game series. With Brian Moehler on the 15 game DL, Dontrelle Willis stands as the only non-rookie starter left in the rotation.
