Lifeless Offense Fails Miami Marlins, Lose to Atlanta Braves in Extras, 1-7

Mar 9, 2013; Jupiter, FL, USA; Miami Marlins relief pitcher Chris Hatcher (39) throws against the St. Louis Cardinals during a spring training game at Roger Dean Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports

Kevin Slowey took the mound for Miami in place of the departed Ricky Nolasco, and managed five scoreless innings before being pinch-hit for in the fifth. From there, the bullpen took over and put on a brilliant performance, marred only by Chris Hatcher’s inning-14 implosion. The Braves piled six runs on Hatcher’s watch, and ran away with the game by a score of 1-7.

The Marlins had out hit Atlanta going into the 14^th inning, but had only one run to show for their work. The run came in the fifth inning when Justin Ruggiano lashed an RBI single into left field, scoring Adeiny Hechavarria. The one-run Miami lead wouldn’t last long.

Dan Jennings relieved Kevin Slowey in the top of the sixth inning and gave up a leadoff triple to Jason Heyward. A sac fly from Juston Upton scored Heyward in the next at-bat and the score was tied at one each.

From the sixth inning on, both teams struggled to string together any base runners. Miami’s combination of Ryan Webb, Chad Qualls, Steve Cishek, and Mike Dunn would combine for seven perfect innings. Atlanta’s bullpen, highlighted by Jordan Walden, Craig Kimbrel, and David Carpenter would allow two walks and two hits for the rest of the game. Carpenter would go on to earn his second win of the season.

In the 14^th, converted catcher Chris Hatcher made his 2013 debut ugly and forgettable. As a former catcher, his arm, and fastball, is pretty impressive. Unfortunately, Hatcher nibbled at most batters and had no second offering.  Hatcher would walk two batters before surrendering a double to Justin Upton. The double uncorked the Atlanta offense, which would pile on three more runs before the inning’s end. Miami went down in order in the bottom of the 14^th, securing a 1-7 loss.

The loss puts Miami at 32-56 on the season, and 2-5 versus Atlanta. Henderson Alvarez makes his second start of the season in game two of the series tomorrow against Atlanta’s Julio Teheran. First pitch is scheduled for 7:10 p.m. ET.