Miami Marlins Open Spring With A Win Over Hurricanes, 5-2

Nov 2, 2013; Surprise, AZ, USA; Miami Marlins third baseman

against the East during the Fall Stars Game at Surprise Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

The Miami Marlins opened up their 2014 spring training schedule with an exhibition game against the University of Miami Hurricanes at Roger Dean Stadium.  The Marlins lineup included several players expected to be in the opening day lineup for the regular season.  The outfield included both Christian Yelich and Marcel Ozuna, while new acquisitions Garrett Jones and Casey McGehee made their Marlins debuts.

The starting pitcher for the Marlins was right hander Angel Sanchez, who was acquired from the Los Angeles Dodgers in the Ricky Nolasco trade last summer.  Sanchez is not expected to make the big league squad this season, but threw 2 solid innings against the Canes allowing 2 hits and a walk while striking out 2.  After Sanchez, manager Mike Redmond emptied the bullpen allowing 7 different minor league hurlers throw an inning each.  Overall the pitching staff allowed 2 runs on 6 hits while walking 7 and striking out 13.

On offense, both Jones and McGehee picked up their first hits in a Marlins uniform and were then removed from the game.  The hitting star on the day was first baseman Mark Canha who went 2-for3 including an RBI double in the seventh and also scored 2 runs.  2013 first round pick Colin Moran also pitched in going 1-for-1 with a run scored and an RBI on a sacrifice fly.

The Marlins won the game over the Canes 5-2 with right hander Rett Varner being credited with the victory.  The Marlins will continue their college schedule tomorrow as they take on the Florida International University Golden Panthers at Roger Dean Stadium.

Left hander Justin Nicolino is scheduled to get the start against the Panthers.  Nicolino came over in the trade with the Blue Jays last offseason and went on to post and 8-4 record and 3.11 ERA in single A and double A for the Marlins.