Ricky Nolasco Leads Miami Marlins to 6-3 Victory Over Atlanta Braves

Jul 3, 2013; Atlanta, GA, USA; Miami Marlins starting pitcher Ricky Nolasco (47) pitches in the first inning against the Atlanta Braves at Turner Field. Mandatory Credit: Daniel Shirey-USA TODAY Sports

Ricky Nolasco’s days as a member of the Miami Marlins are coming to an end.  He knows the team is desperately shopping him and that the call notifying him that he has been traded will be coming at any minute.  Despite the distraction his situation surely causes, Nolasco pulled himself together to deliver at least one more good performance for his soon to be ex-team in a 6-3 Marlins win.

Nolasco went 7 strong innings in Atlanta on Wednesday night giving up just 2 runs and striking out seven Braves hitters.  Along the way, he recorded his 1,000^th career strikeout extending his team record.  His performance would be good enough to net him just his 6^th career win against the Braves and 81^st overall, also a team record.  If this is indeed Nolasco’s swan song as a Marlin, he certainly ended things on a high note.

Justin Ruggiano  was the offensive star for the Marlins with a 3-run home run in the 5^th inning to put the Marlins ahead 3-2.  The home run was his team leading 12^th on the season and gave him a team leading 31 RBI.

Jeff Mathis would contribute a 2-run double in the 8^th inning extending the Marlins lead to 6-2.  Mathis tied a team record by collecting multiple RBI for the 5^th straight game.  He is probably the last guy on the roster I would have imagined achieving an team record for his offense.

Steve Cishek came on in the ninth inning to shut the door and record his 16^th save on the season.  Ricky Nolasco improved his record to 5-8 while Mike Minor fell to 8-4 for the Braves.

Up Next: The Marlins will continue the series against the Braves on Thursday.  Henderson Alvarez (0-0) is scheduled to make his season debut for the Marlins and will face Julio Teheran (6-4) for the Braves.