The Florida Marlins lost the 1st game of interleague play against the Kansas City Royals on Friday 6-7, continuing the losing streak the Marlins have been stuck on. The loss is the 2nd game in a row in which Florida lost by the score of 6-7. The Marlins record is now at 23-18 and they are now tied for 1st place in the NL East with the Phillies.
The offense played well in this game but just couldn’t get enough runs in the late innings to steal the game from the Royals. Florida was actually down the entire game reaching a deficit of 4 runs in one point in the game. In innings 8 and 9 the Marlins put up back-to-back 2 run innings attempting to make a late comeback but such wasn’t the case as the Royals answered both times with a 2 run 8th and a 1 run 9th. The team totaled 7 hits, 5 of which went for extra bases. Dan Uggla gave a great effort for the Marlins going 3-for-3 including a solo-homer. He drove in 3 runners total and came across the plate once as well. His batting average now stands at .313 and his home run total sits at 13. Right Fielder Jeremy Hermida also hit a homer going 1-for-5 in the game with 2 RBI and a run scored. His batting average is now a solid .294 and his homer total is 5. Wes Helms had a good game of his own hitting 2-of-4 with 2 RBI.
Andrew Miller was given the start for the Marlins because his previously scheduled start that supposed to take place yesterday was rained out. He had an okay day for Florida going 5 innings deep allowing 5 hits, 4 runs, 2 earned, 3 walks and 6 Ks. He was given the loss for the game bringing his record to 3-3 and his ERA to 6.18. Justin Miller also made an appearance in this game and didn’t exactly present his best stuff. He only worked 1 inning but he gave up 2 hits, 2 runs, all earned and a homer to KC catcher Miguel Olivo. The final Royal run came off Renyel Pinto who only pitched 1/3rd inning but he gave up 1 hit, 1 run and 2 walks.
It seems that the solid play the Marlins were showcasing at the start of the season has been caught up with because they keep falling behind in games and then are attempting to comeback late. Not always an easy task even when the opponent is the Kansas City Royals. The Marlins will get another shot to end the losing streak on Saturday in game 2.
