Miami Marlins Ride Power Surge Past New York Mets, 7-5

The Miami Marlins bounced back from their first loss of the spring and ended a two-game winless streak on Tuesday afternoon, taking on the New York Mets. The team took an early lead and never looked back at this one. The Marlins pitching staff had a good day, and the final score only seemed closer than it really was is because of three meaningless runs in the 8th for the Mets.

Home Run Happy:

Feb 26, 2013; Jupiter, FL, USA; Miami Marlins first baseman

(18) rounds the bases after hitting an three run homer in the first inning during a spring training game against the New York Mets at Roger Dean Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports

The Marlins struck early after Juan Pierre reached base on an error by Mets pitcher Jenry Mejia, on a bunt. Pierre would come around to score on a Placido Polanco single. After a Rob Brantly single and an Austin Kearns walk, Casey Kotchman stepped into the batters box for his Marlins debut. Kotchman made sure to make his debut a special one, as he launched a grand slam down the left field line and gave the club an early five-run lead. The Marlins would never look back from there.

The Marlins would tack on two more runs in the sixth inning, as Giancarlo Stanton and Matt Downs each hit solo home runs.

For Stanton, his home run came on an 0-2 pitch off of Hansel Nobles. After falling behind in the count, Stanton got an unexpected fastball in the middle of the plate and left no doubt that the ball was leaving once he hit it.

Matt Downs, who actually came into the game for Kotchman, would later tack on a home run in the same inning, basically securing the game for the Marlins, as they led at that point, 7 to 2.

Marlins Pitching:

Marlins right-hander Ricky Nolasco was efficient and effective in his two scoreless innings of work, struck out and walked one hitter.

Dan Jennings allowed two unearned runs after a throwing error by Nick Green, after he made a phenomenal stop. Jennings allowed two hits and struck out two hitters. Not a great appearance by Jennings. Mike Dunn was ineffective in his stint as well. Dunn walked a hitter and allowed a base hit, but did not allow any runs.

If the Marlins left handed relievers continue to struggle, Wade LeBlanc‘s immediate future maybe out of the Marlins pen, as opposed to in the starting rotation.

Chris Hatcher labored in his lone inning of work, allowing four hits and walking another hitter. All together, Hatcher allowed three runs and made the game seem a lot closer than it was it reality.

Up Next: Nathan Eovaldi will be the starting pitcher for the Marlins today as they go up against the Washington Nationals. Christian Yelich is starting in left field and leading off for the Marlins today.

Here is a look at the lineup: