Pitching Failure: Miami Marlins vs. Pittsburgh Pirates Game recap

Jul 27, 2013; Miami, FL, USA; Pittsburgh Pirates catcher Michael McKenry (center) celebrates with teammates after his four-hit game against the Miami Marlins at Marlins Park. The Pirates won 7-4. Mandatory Credit: Robert Mayer-USA TODAY Sports

Talk about disappointment.

After what seemed like an eternity, the Marlins finally had a descent offensive performance. It’s too bad that their pitching was uncharacteristically awful.

The Miami Marlins played the Pittsburgh Pirates in the second game of a three game set, as Tom Koehler and Charlie Morton faced off against each other in Marlins Park.

Marlins pitchers have been pitching extremely well, as of late. They have gone six consecutive games without allowing two or more runs, which is tied with the club record. Well, I am sure Koehler will be able to continue this impressive streak for the team. I mean he did pitch that gem in Colorado a week ago. He’ll do great tonight.

Right?

The top of the first inning was a complete disaster for Koehler and the Marlins. The game opened with consecutive doubles by Starling Marte and Neil Walker, giving the Pirates a 1-0 lead. Two batters later, Garret Jones hit a bloop double down the left field line which resulted in another run and Michael McKenry followed by singling home Jones.

3-0 Pirates

Goodbye awesome streak.

Well no matter, maybe the Marlins can hit to bring us back. In the bottom of the first, Christian Yelich got a hit and Logan Morrison got hit by a pitch to put runners on first and second, with two outs for Donovan Solano. Solano was able to deliver and bring home Christian Yelich making the score 3-1 Pirates. Polanco would groundout next but the Marlins weren’t out of the game just yet.

In the second inning, nothing really happened for either side. That would change in the third.

Koehler struggled against the top of the Pittsburgh order again as he gave up two more runs making the Pirate lead 5-1. By the end, Koehler had over 80 pitches.

80 pitches! Through three innings! This looked like the end for the Marlin team, but they were able to pull off an awesome offensive comeback in the bottom of the third.

Yelich once again got a single but advanced to second on an error by Andrew McCutchen. Stanton then knocked a bullet down the left field line to get an RBI double. LOMO then singled to bring home Stanton, but also advanced to second on a throwing error (by Starling Marte). Solano flew out to right but Morrison tagged and advanced to third on the out. Polanco drove him in on the next pitch. Then Marisnick got an infield hit.

Marisnick got another hit.

YAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAYYYYYY!!!!!!!!

Ok, sorry for that, anyways.

Brantly struck out to end the three run inning. The score was 5-4 and I thought the Marlins were going to pull this thing out.

God, I hate it when I am optimistic.

The Marlins weren’t able to muster any kind of offense up for the rest of the game. The Pirates were able to score a few runs off Ryan Webb and Dan Jennings to increase their lead to 7-4. By that point I thought the game was already over.

Why did I have to be right with that?

Many of the same problems that have plagued the Marlins offense all year were present. Inning killing double plays, striking out looking, and not bringing in runners that are in scoring position. However, if Koehler had not given up the five early runs the Marlins might have squeaked out a victory. Koehler has consistently shown that he may not be up to the challenge of being a starting pitcher every five days in the majors. I see Koehler as a Kevin Slowey type long reliever that could make a spot start if needed. Speaking of Kevin Slowey, it was reported that he has a forearm strain and will be put on the 15 Day DL. This might be the perfect chance for Brian Flynn to come up to the Majors and replace Tom Koehler. Flynn came over in the Detroit trade last year and has performed well at every minor league level since joining the organization. He may be the pitcher we need to fill the fifth spot in the pitching rotation.

Marlin Maniac will be there to report when the corresponding move is announced.

Well it was a disappointing loss, but our young stars shined today as Yelich and Marisnick hit well and Hechavarria made some very awesome plays on defense which really electrified the crowd. Hechavarria is going to win some Gold Gloves in the near future.

Until next time, Go Marlins.