Miami Marlins offense takes early and often approach against Pirates

The Miami Marlins took game one of the series against the Pirates. With three games remaining, the Fish are off on the right foot.

This one was never in doubt. The Miami Marlins led from start to finish and took game one against the Pirates without drama.

Don’t feel too bad for the city of Pittsburgh though. The Stanley Cup Finals game five was taking place nearby. Audible cheers were heard throughout the crowd at PNC Park as the Penguins cruised to a victory against the Nashville Predators.

On the baseball diamond, it was all Fish.

The Marlins jumped on starter Gerrit Cole quickly. They plated three runs in the top of the first inning, sparked by a Dee Gordon bunt single. The speedster then stole second base and advanced to third on an errant throw. He scored off the bat of a Christian Yelich double.

Derek Dietrich was the offensive star for the Fish. On three hits, he drove in three runs and scored twice. Tyler Moore and J.T. Riddle also contributed with RBI’s.

In Edinson Volquez‘s first outing coming off his no hitter on Saturday, he was razor sharp. Through five innings, he’d only allowed one hit, a bunt single. Volquez ended up going seven innings, striking out eight Pirates and walking two batters. His record improved to 3-7, and it’s his third win in a row for the Marlins.

Holding the lead

After seven innings, the Marlins turned the game over to their bullpen. Holding a seven run lead and needing only two innings, they avoided any high drama. Dustin McGowan pitched a perfect eighth inning, throwing only eight pitches.

Brian Ellington labored, but was able to escape with limited damage. When all was said and done the Miami Marlins came away with a 7-1 victory. The overall record improved to 26-33. If they can manage a series sweep, they’ll be back on track to NL relevancy outlined earlier this month.

Moving forward

The Marlins will play game two against the Pirates at PNC Park tomorrow at 7:05 pm.

Vance Worley will go for the Fish. It could figure to be hist final start for the Marlins before left-hander Justin Nicolino returns from the disabled list. After a long start from Volquez tonight, the bullpen will be ready if they’re called on early in the game.

The Pirates will counter with Tyler Glasnow. He’s struggled this year, sitting with 6.79 ERA going into Friday’s game.

Look for the Marlins to take a similar approach in tomorrows game. Early and often will be the mantra of the offense.

Next: Miami Marlins latest acquisition: William Cuevas

Look for Mattingly to be quick with the hook with Worley on the mound. Worley has hit a wall around the fourth or fifth inning in recent starts.