Stat Wrap 5/24: Miami Marlins Fall to Rays 4-3

Maybe the Marlins just aren’t morning people?

Tampa jumped out to an early 3-0 lead, taking advantage of a slow starting Tom Koehler and a slower starting Miami offense to hang on for a 4-3 victory Tuesday afternoon at Marlins Park.

To be fair, Devil Rays starter (sorry, Tampa. The White Sox play at Comiskey, the Marlins played at Joe Robbie for nineteen seasons, and you’re the Devil Rays) Jake Odorizzi was as electric as you can be when you need 107 pitches to throw five innings, but one couldn’t quite shake the feeling that this was one that Florida’s original baseball franchise let get away.  Marcell Ozuna picked up two doubles to run his on base streak to a league best 31, and Giancarlo Stanton did launch a lone missile to left for his 12th home run of the season, but the offensive surge was too little too late.

The loss dropped the Marlins back to just a game over .500 at 23-22, and evened the Citrus Series at a game a piece.

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In any event, time to Stat Wrap.

• Tom Koehler earned the loss, despite only allowing 3 ER in 5 IP with 6 Ks.
• In terms of ER and IP, that was his worst start in his last four tries.
• Yet the Marlins have managed to ultimately lose all four of those games.
• Ozuna Watch: On base in 31 straight games, with a 2 for 3 day at the plate.
• Giancarlo Stanton homered on his only well hit ball of the day.  Still looks bad.
• But still, he does have a three-game hitting streak. Fingers crossed.
• Miami’s bullpen was excellent, only giving up three hits in four frames.
• Sadly that did include another unearned run surrendered by Bryan Morris.
• Don’t be fooled by that 3.06 ERA. That was his tenth unearned run allowed this season.  Not a guy you want pitching if there’s a baserunner.