Game Recap: Chris Coghlan, Miami Marlins Walk Off Against St. Louis Cardinals, 6-5

The Marlins beat the St. Louis Cardinals 6-5 on Saturday behind six innings from starter Nathan Eovaldi. Eovaldi scattered nine hits and gave up three runs – two in his last inning of work – while striking out two hitters. The Marlins scored one run in the second and one in the fourth before tacking on two in the bottom of the sixth. The Marlins added one run in the bottom of the eighth for good measure, and did so off reliever Mitchell Boggs, who will likely start the season as the Cardinals’ closer due to an injury to Jason Motte.

Marlins reliever Dan Jennings blew the lead in the top of the ninth, giving up two runs. The second run came on a wild pitch due to a breaking ball that ultimately didn’t break. Jennings ultimately had a horrendous inning of work, walking three hitters – all of them lefties – before being pulled with two out and the bases loaded. Zach Phillips got the Marlins out of the jam with a fly out to left.

Mar 23, 2013; Jupiter, FL, USA; Miami Marlins left fielder Chris Coghlan (8) connects for a base it in the second inning during a spring training game against the St. Louis Cardinals at Roger Dean Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports

In the bottom of the ninth, with runners on first and second, Chris Coghlan raked a single to right field to bring Jordan Brown around to score the winning run. It was Coghlan’s second hit of the game as he continued his quest to win the center field job. His competition, Gorkys Hernandez, had a strong showing as well, driving in three of the Marlins’ runs and stealing a base.

Shortstop Adeiny Hechavarria had a terrific game in the field, robbing both Matt Adams and Adron Chambers of base hits.

Next up: the Marlins take on the Houston Astros at 1:05 PM on Sunday. The Marlins will hand the ball to Jacob Turner, in what should be a very important start that determines where he might start the season.