Source: FanGraphs
Attendance: 43,961
Hero Of The Game: Bryan Petersen (.114 WPA)
Goat Of The Game: Austin Kearns (-.256 WPA)
Play Of The Game: With a runner on third and two outs in the bottom of the fourth inning, Jordan Pacheco hit a home run to left field off of Josh Johnson that gave the Rockies a 3-2 advantage. (.213 WPA)
When the Miami Marlins acquired Carlos Lee from the Houston Astros in July, they did so because the team had consistently struggled with runners in scoring position throughout the first half. Those struggles continued in the second half, and continue to cost the Marlins wins. Miami had several opportunities to have a big inning on Sunday afternoon at Coors Field, and instead of winning the series, the Marlins had to settle for a series split with the Colorado, following a 3-2 loss to the last-place Rockies.
Miami didn't waste any time scoring against Rockies left hander Drew Pomeranz. Emilio Bonifacio, playing in his first game since coming off of the disabled list, reached on an error by shortstop Josh Rutledge to start the game. Justin Ruggianio followed with a double, and two batters later, Carlos Lee hit a ground ball to third base to give the Marlins an early 1-0 lead.
Josh Johnson, who had an ERA under two in last five starts, pitched well early, not giving up a hit through the first three innings and only allowing one baserunner, a walk to Dexter Fowler in the bottom of the first.
The Marlins left five runners on base through the first two innings, but Pomeranz continued to have control issues. John Buck lead off the fourth inning with a home run to center field, which extended the Marlins' lead to two.
Colorado took the lead after scoring three runs off of Johnson in the bottom of the fourth. Josh Rutledge singled to open the inning and scored on a Dexter Fowler double. After Johnson recorded two outs, Pacheco hit a two run blast to give the Rockies a 3-2 lead.
Pomeranz was done after four innings, and was replaced by Adam Ottavino to start the fifth inning, an inning in which the Marlins had the best opportunity against the right hander. Justin Ruggiano singled and Jose Reyes reached on an error to put runners on second and third with nobody out. Carlos Lee, Donnie Murphy, and John Buck were unable to drive in a run, and the Marlins still found themselves trailing by a run.
Giancarlo Stanton, who had homered in all six games he had played in at Coors Field, was unable to extend that streak, as he went 0 for 2 and was intentionally walked twice in key situations.
Josh Johnson lasted seven innings, giving up seven hits and three runs while walking and striking out four.
Mike Dunn began the eighth inning and got into some trouble, however Ryan Webb induced an inning ending double play to send the Marlins to the ninth down a run.
Despite a leadoff single by Bryan Petersen off of Colorado closer Rafael Betancourt, Miami was unable to rally after a double play ball off the bat of Austin Kearns. Betancourt retired Emilio Bonifacio to lead the Rockies to a series split.
Miami will look to bounce back on Monday against when they begin a four game series against the Arizona Diamondbacks.