Miami Marlins Fail To Avoid Sweep, Lose 5-3 In Extra Innings

May 16, 2013; Miami, FL, USA; Miami Marlins starting pitcher

(16) throws during the third inning against the Cincinnati Reds at Marlins Park. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports

Last night the Miami Marlins took on the Cincinnati Reds in the third game of the three game set. Sadly, the Marlins were just looking to get back on track as they came into the game losing seven out of their last eight games. With the team going through a slump, the Marlins turned to the rookie sensation Jose Fernandez. Throughout the season Fernandez has arguably been one of the most exciting and most efficient players on this depleted Marlins roster. Unfortunately, Fernandez’s strong outing wasn’t enough to put the Marlins back in the win column, as they went onto lose the game in extra innings 5-3.

It didn’t take long for the Marlins to get on the scoreboard, after left fielder Juan Pierre hit his first home-run of the season. However, after Pierre’s homerun to right field, the Marlins offense went cold. Pierre’s homerun was the only run the team was able to put up against the Reds. As usual, the Reds starting pitcher, Mat Latos was dialed in. Other than Pierre’s homer, Latos only gave up one more hit before being pulled in the eighth inning.

May 16, 2013; Miami, FL, USA; Cincinnati Reds second baseman

(4) rounds the bases after hitting a solo home run during the sixth inning against the Miami Marlins at Marlins Park. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports

Although they struggled to, the Reds were finally able to take advantage of the Marlins struggling offense, after Brandon Phillips hit a home-run, giving the team a 2-1 lead in the top of the sixth inning. With the Marlins inability to produce offensively, many thought the game was over. However, rookies Adeiny Hechavarria and Marcell Ozuna had something to say about that. It all started when Hechavarria hit an early one out triple to put the Marlins in an excellent position to tie the game. With the top part of the lineup due to make appearances, the Marlins definitely liked their chances of bringing Hechavarria home. Veteran Placido Polanco came to the plate in order to hit for the youngster Derek Dietrich. Unfortunately, Placido struck out swinging, leaving the game in the hands of the rookie Marcell Ozuna. In just his 15^th game in a Marlins uniform, everyone was about to see if he could deliver or not. With a man on third and two outs, the pressure was definitely on Ozuna to bring the run home; and he did. Not only was he able to bring Hech home, he also put himself in scoring position as he hit a two out triple. With Ozuna on third, Marlins manager Mike Redmond wisely had Justin Ruggiano come in to pinch hit for Chris Coghlan who is hitting a mere .210 this season. Unfortunately, the move didn’t pay off and we fans were treated to some extra free baseball.

The Reds came out wanting to end this game and as a result, the free baseball didn’t last long. The Reds quickly took the lead back from the Marlins after Brandon Phillips hit a sacrifice fly to left, scoring Donald Lutz. Apparently the run one run lead wasn’t enough for Jay Bruce as he hit a two run double to score Shin-Soo Choo and Joey Votto. The game quickly got out of hand and the Marlins were once again finding themselves in a difficult position.

Heading into the bottom of the tenth down by three runs, the Marlins had to quickly muster up some offense. With two outs, former extra innings hero Nick Green approached the plate. Many remember Green for his walk-off hit against the Mets a couple of weeks back, in a game that I thought was never going to end. It seemed like he still had some magic left in the tank. Although he failed to get a hit, he was able to get on base via walk, giving some hope to the Marlins and their fans. After what was ruled as a fielder’s indifference, Green was able to get into scoring position. Down by three, with a runner on second and two outs, the Marlins found themselves fighting to stay alive. Outfielder Matt Diaz came to the rescue, after a single to centerfield was able to score Green. Still down two more runs, the tying run came to the plate. The game was left in the hands of Juan Pierre who had hit a home-run earlier in the game. Sadly, he was unable to repeat his first inning at-bat, grounding out to second to end the game.

With yet another game played, the Marlins are still finding it near impossible to get into the win column. They have now lost eight out of their last nine games. With almost all the hope just about gone, the Marlins will turn to Kevin Slowey tonight to take on the second place Arizona Diamondbacks.

Thanks for Reading!