Pirates 5 Marlins 3
9,139 people witnessed Thursday night's 5-3 Marlin loss to the last place Pirates, and the angriest person at Dolphins Stadium: starter Josh Johnson.
The 2002 fourth round draft pick pitched seven innings allowing only a two run
Manager Joe Girardi called upon the bullpen to save a 3-2 game, but Kensing had his second blown save in the past three games. During rainy Tuesday night's 7-6 loss to the Nationals, Kensing gave up a game tying homer to Robert Fick in the eighth. Lighting struck twice Thursday night, as the Texan stood on the mound forced to watch another tying solo homer, this time by Pirates outfielder Nate McLouth.
The Marlins got to the 3-3 tie thanks to a first inning double by Hanley Ramirez that scored leadoff hitter Alfredo Amezaga. Ramirez's only hit of the game marked his third first inning RBI of the week.
The Marlins made quick work in coming back from Bay’s two run shot with their own homerun, their tenth in the past week. Mike Jacobs' fourth inning solo shot just over the left field fence pulled the game even at two. Jacobs' 14th homerun of the season put him one behind Miguel Cabrera for the team lead and was the rookie first baseman’s first opposite field shot as a Marlin.
Two back-to-back extra base hits by Cabrera and Dan Uggla gave the Marlins their second lead of the night at 3-2. Cabrera's double, his 27th of the season, ties him with Jacobs for the team lead and puts them 10th in the National League. Uggla followed suit and his triple scored Cabrera. Uggla’s triple gave him five on the season and only two back of his career high he set in 2003 for the Lancaster Jethawks.
The Pirates took a 4-3 lead in the ninth when pinch hitter Jeromy Burnitz hit an RBI single off a Randy Messenger 3-2 pitch,. Jack Wilson doubled to right which put the game out of reach for the Fish.
Crazy Stat of the Night:
Thursday Night's blown save marked the 15th of the season for the young Marlins bullpen, good for third in the National League. Last season, the Marlins had 18 blown saves.
