Marlins Report Card: Ozuna Sets Lasers to Stun, Fish Win 3-2

Jul 13, 2013; Miami, FL, USA; Miami Marlins right fielder Marcell Ozuna before a game against the Washington Nationals at Marlins Park. Mandatory Credit: Robert Mayer-USA TODAY Sports

BOXSCORE

Marcell Ozuna was playing in just his fifth game at left field. As Miami’s bullpen leaked hit after hit into the outfield, the 23-year old threw out two Mets runners at the plate, including the final out of the game to preserve the 3-2 win. Henderson Alvarez turned in a solid outing, peppering seven hits across 6.1 scoreless innings.

Miami moves to 37-36 on the season, good for one game behind the first place Washington Nationals and 1/2 game behind the trailing Braves.

Henderson Alvarez: B+

Alvarez earned his fourth win of the season after fending off the Mets lineup with five strikeouts in 6.1 scoreless innings. The Marlins are 10-5 when Alvarez starts, pulling out the win in seven consecutive outings.  He hasn’t allowed more than five runs in a start since May 16.

Marcell Ozuna’s Arm: A

As FOX Sports Florida broadcaster called it, “The best arm out of the bullpen was in left field!” Ozuna’s arm prevented two runs from scoring, effectively saving the game for Miami. He first threw out David Wright in the 8^th inning, and hosed a tagging Kirk Nieuwenhuis for the final out of the game.

Bullpen: D

While Miami’s meager offense against Daisuke Matsuzaka offered just one run in 5.1 innings, they handed the bullpen a lead. Kevin Gregg allowed two runs on two hits and a walk after getting just one out. Mike Dunn and Steve Cishek were both bailed out by Ozuna’s spectacular play in left field in their respective innings. A.J. Ramos was the lone bright spot in an otherwise shaky bullpen performance, needing just three pitches to get the double-play to cleanup Alvarez’ seventh inning.