McCarthy Shuts Out Miami as Marlins Lose 1-0 on Leadoff Home Run

May 18, 2013; Miami, FL, USA; Miami Marlins starting pitcher

(34) throws a pitch during the first inning against the Arizona Diamondbacks at Marlins Park. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports

Marlins starter Tom Koehler put on a great show in his third career start on Saturday night, but the bats were too cold to pull out a win as the Miami Marlins lost to the Arizona Diamondbacks 1-0.

Koehler pitched six strong innings, allowing just three hits while striking out seven and walking two. Unfortunately, one of those hits was a 387 foot leadoff home run to Gerardo Parra, which would end up being the only run scored in the game. According to Elias Sports Bureau, it was the first game since September 14, 1993, in which a leadoff home run on the first pitch of the game was the only run scored in the game. In that game two decades ago, the Pittsburgh Pirates beat – who else? – the Florida Marlins.

Diamondbacks starter Brandon McCarthy went the distance to win his first major league start since suffering a scary head injury last season while with the Oakland Athletics. McCarthy suffered a skull fracture and required season-ending surgery in September of last year. In addition to being his first win this season, the game was also his third career shutout. McCarthy needed just 99 pitches to mow down the Marlins and gave up just three hits, while walking two and striking out five. Derek Dietrich, Adeiny Hechavarria, Marcell Ozuna, and Chris Coghlan were the only Marlins to reach base against McCarthy.

Up next: The Marlins will try to stop their losing streak at seven games and take the third game of the series against Arizona. Ricky Nolasco will face off against Wade Miley. The Marlins are now 11-32, their worst start ever through 43 games.