Miami Marlins ride strong start from Jose Urena to victory

After averaging six runs per game, the Miami Marlins relied on a strong pitching performance to beat the Chicago Cubs on Friday.

In the first game of the series, the Miami Marlins looked outclassed in their 11-1 loss to the Chicago Cubs. On Friday, they strayed from their offense-first identity and won a game thanks to a strong pitching performance. The Miami Marlins take game two of the series by a score of 2-0.

Jose Urena got the start and was in control. Pitching mostly to contact, he registered only three starts in six innings of shutout work. The offense did just enough, relying on a long-ball by Giancarlo Stanton, and small-ball in the sixth inning.

The Miami Marlins bounce back and win an important game against the reigning champions.

Jose Urena pitched well, throwing only 93 pitches in his start. He walked three batters, which ran his pitch count up and led to his removal in the sixth inning.

Urena regualry worked his way out of trouble in this game. The Cubs stranded a total of 11 runners during the course of this game, and the Marlins best friend was the double-play. Albert Almora Jr. grounded into two, and J.A. Happ grounded into one.

A 6-4-3 double-play ended the game. Fitting, considering Martin Prado was making his return to the Major Leagues from an injury.

The Marlins struggled against Cubs starter John Lackey. The veteran righty pitched well, allowing two earned runs, on three hits, in six innings.

He was beaten on one bad pitch by Giancarlo Stanton. A breaking ball that hung over plate. Stanton didn’t miss it, hitting the ball 458 feet and drilling the home run sculpture.

In the sixth inning, Dee Gordon blooped a ball between the shortstop and the left-fielder. He’d steal second base on the next pitch, and advance to third on an errant throw.

Yelich would bring him home on a sacrifice fly.

Important bounce back victory

The win was an important one for the morale of the team. For most of the season the team has relied on high volume scoring to account for poor pitching. After a demoralizing loss the previous night, the team showed encouraging resilience in winning a tightly contested ballgame.

They’ll need more of the same going forward. The Marlins currently sit six games under the .500 mark, and have only six games left on their schedule in June.

Next: Miami Marlins sale takes another bizarre turn

They send Justin Nicolino to the mound tomorrow. He’ll square off against fellow lefty Jon Lester. Nicolino struggled in his debut off the disabled list in his last start. He lasted only three innings against a potent Nationals lineup. There will be no drop off against the Cubs.

Lester has pitched well this season. His average game score for the season is 54, and he has managed to throw at least five innings in his last four starts.