Bullpen Can’t Hold It: Miami Marlins vs. Colorado Rockies Recap

Aug 23, 2013; Miami, FL, USA; Colorado Rockies shortstop Troy Tulowitzki (2) is greeted after scoring a run during the eighth inning against the Miami Marlins at Marlins Park. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports

Another pitching duel was showcased in Miami this year, as the Miami Marlins faced the Colorado Rockies in the first game of a three game set.

Tom Koehler started for the Fish while Jhoulys Chacin started for the Rockies. For the first five innings of the game, it was pretty boring to say the least.

The Rockies were able to squeeze out a few runners in scoring position in the first couple of innings but Koehler was able to get out of every jam. Chacin made mince meat of the Marlins lineup for the first few innings as he didn’t even give up a hit until the fourth inning.

So the first four innings sucked but in the bottom of the fifth the sparks started to fly.

Tied 0-0, a Marlin was able to smack a ball out of the park. It wasn’t Stanton, Morrison, Yelich, Marinisck, Mathis, or even Hechavarria. It was Ed Lucas of all people who hit home run to deep center field, near the home run sculpture. It was his third home run of the year and his first in Marlins Park.

Alright, so with a pretty descent performance by Koehler, the Marlins could probably pull this one out.

Well, in the next half inning Koehler would give up a lead off triple to DJ LeMahieu who would eventually score on a Michael Cuddyer groundout.

Damn it, we were close.

Well the game went back to its usual slow pace until the bottom of the seventh when Jake Marisnick executed the most exciting play in the game. The Triple. A beautifully hit ball, Marisnick finally produced at the plate in a major capacity. Greg Dobbs brought him home with a sacrifice fly.

Good, the Marlins have the lead entering the eighth, our bullpen should be able to close this out, right?

Well not according to Chad Qualls. He gave up two runs in the eighth inning due to Tulowwitzki doubling, Cuddyer singling him home, and Ryan Wheeler doubling Cuddyer home to give the Rockies the lead. Qualls has been struggling since the trade deadline which only furthers the belief that he should have been traded then.  With the lead in the hands of the Rockies, the Marlins struck out four times in two innings to end the game.

The Marlins lose as the bullpen is unable keep the lead due to Tom Koehler’s solid start.  Hopefully Fernandez can break this 4-game losing streak when he takes on the Rockies in the second game of the series.

Until then, Go Marlins.