Miami Marlins Do Work on Labor Day, Beat Chicago Cubs 4-3

Sep 2, 2013; Chicago, IL, USA; Miami Marlins starting pitcher Henderson Alvarez (37) is greeted by third baseman Ed Lucas (59) and catcher Jeff Mathis (6) after hitting a three-run homer against the Chicago Cubs during the second inning at Wrigley Field. Mandatory Credit: David Banks-USA TODAY Sports

The Marlins overcame a shaky first-inning performance by from Henderson Alvarez with the long ball. However, the power didn’t come from any of the Miami corner fielders, but on the back of Alvarez himself. The pitcher’s second-inning three-run blast set the score for the rest of the game, with Miami winning 4-3.

Alvarez’ first inning debacle left Miami down 1-3, quickly negating the lead Christian Yelich provided with his third career home run.

In the second inning, Cubs starter Travis Wood allowed a leadoff double to Ed Lucas, and a one-out single to Jeff Mathis before Alvarez walloped a first-pitch fastball into Wrigley’s left field stands (where it was promptly returned by a discouraged Chicago fan.)

The three-run shot was Alvarez’ first career home run. Perhaps the extra run production was a little much to handle, as Alvarez left the game in the sixth with reported right hamstring tightness. Baseball Prospectus does not have any record of a right leg injury, although the righty dealt with a lower left leg contusion in August of last year.

A Mike Dunn, Chad Qualls, Steve Cishek combination worked three scoreless innings after Alvarez’ exit, with Cishek picking up his 29^th save of the season. Alvarez earned only his third win of the season with his 6.0IP 7H 3R 3K performance.

Miami sends Tom Koehler to the mound for game two of this week’s three-game series in Chicago tomorrow at 8:05 p.m. ET.