Miami Marlins Sweep Series With Win Over Minnesota Twins, 5-3

Jun 26, 2013; Miami, FL, USA; Miami Marlins third baseman Placido Polanco (30) congratulates catcher Jeff Mathis (6) on his two run home run home run in the fifth inning at Marlins Park. The Marlins won 5-3. Mandatory Credit: Robert Mayer-USA TODAY Sports

The Miami Marlins brought out the brooms sweeping the Minnesota Twins in a mini 2 games series with a  5-3 victory at Marlins Park on Wednesday.

The afternoon did not start well for the Marlins as starter Tom Koehler quickly gave up 3 runs to the Twins in the first inning.  Koehler would last just 4 innings in total, giving up 4 hits and 4 bases on balls while striking out just 1 Twins batter.  The disappointing start may have sealed Koehler’s fate as Henderson Alvarez is just about ready to return from his rehab assignment and take over a rotation spot.

With the Marlins down 3-0, Kevin Slowey was called upon starting in the 5^th inning to provide some long relief.  He would deliver, throwing 3 scoreless innings to earn the win as the Marlins offense fought back to take the lead.

The Marlins would tie the score with 3 runs in the fifth inning.  Jeff Mathis (yes, believe it or not Jeff Mathis) would start the scoring by launching a 2-run homer to left, his first on the season.  Later in the inning Giancarlo Stanton would drive in the tying run with an RBI ground out.

In the sixth, Placido Polanco would also blast a 2-run home run to left, his first of the season also, to give the Marlins a 5-3 lead which they would not relinquish.   The bullpen would continue to hold the Twins down and closer Steve Cishek would come in to nail down the victory with a 1-2-3 ninth inning.

Kevin Slowey ran his record to 3-6 with the win and Scott Diamond (5-7) took the loss for the Twins.

The win was the Marlins’ 3^rd in a row and 5^th in their last 6 games.  The sweep means the Marlins have won 5 of their last 8 series played.  It also marked the 10^th straight game in which they have allowed 3 runs or less.  The win was also the first in 12 Wednesday games played so far this season.

Up Next: The Marlins get a rare 2^nd off day in the same week on Thursday before welcoming the San Diego Padres to town for a 4 game series.  The Friday match will be Edison Volquez (5-6) for the Padres facing Ricky Nolasco (4-7) for the Marlins.  There is also a chance Nolasco is traded before then so keep tuned to Marlin Maniac for updates.