Marlins Report Card: Big Inning By Chicago Cubs Sinks The Fish, 6-1

Jun 18, 2014; Miami, FL, USA; Miami Marlins starting pitcher Nathan Eovaldi (24) reacts after giving up a three run home run to Chicago Cubs right fielder Nate Schierholtz (19) during the sixth inning at Marlins Ballpark. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports

BOXSCORE

The Miami Marlins had a golden opportunity to continue their climb in the standings by winning a 3 game set against the lowly Chicago Cubs.  After splitting a pair of one run games on Monday and Tuesday, the Marlins desperately needed a victory on Wednesday to take the series victory.  Marlins starter Nate Eovaldi appeared to be on his way to another stellar start before things went horribly wrong in the top half of the sixth inning when the Northsiders took a 5-1 lead.  The Cubs would go on to tack on another run and win the game 6-1.

Let’s get to the Marlins game report card:

Nathan Eovaldi, SP: D

6.0 IP, 9 H, 5 R, 5 ER, 0 BB, 2 K

Eovaldi appeared to have things under control having given up just 1 run on 5 hits through his first 5 innings of work.  He even retired the first hitter in the 6^th inning, but then surrendered 4 straight hits with the last of those being a 3 run home run off the bat of Nate Schierholtz.  Six of the nine hits he surrendered on the day went for extra bases. This marked the second straight clunker for Eovaldi who gave up 6 runs in just 4.2 innings in his last start this past Friday.

Giancarlo Stanton, RF: B

1-for-3, HR (20), RBI, R

Stanton slugged his 20^th home run of the season in the first inning with a laser-like liner into the right center field seats.  Unfortunately, he later left the game in the 7^th inning with a wrist injury.  Losing Stanton for any period of time would be a devastating blow to the Fish.

Adeiny Hechavarria, SS: C

2-for-4, SB(4), Web Gem

Hechavarria continued to swing a hot bat with 2 more hits today after a 4 hit night on Tuesday.  With the injury to Christian Yelich and the arrival of Rafael Furcal, Hechavarria has been inserted into the #2 spot in the order and the move seems to agree with him.  He also contributed a diving stop and throw from his knees on a sharp grounder over the second base bag for a defensive web gem.

Marlins: D

The Marlins have now lost consecutive home series after dominating the competition for most of the year at Marlins Park.  Their 36-35 record will keep them in second place in the National League East with the Atlanta Braves also losing today.  The Fish will continue the home stand as they welcome in the New York Mets for a 4 games series which will feature the major league debut of Andrew Heaney on Thursday.