It was Roy Halladay's perfection that ruined Josh Johnson's chance at a win in his last stellar start, and Thursday night at Sun Life Stadium, it was Leo Nunez's imperfection that threatened to do the same.
After rain delay #456,762,887 in Marlins history, the Fish wrapped up their homestand and their four-game series with the Brewers as ace Josh Johnson took the mound against Chris Capuano.
The Marlins got on the board in the second inning off of Capuano, who was making his first start since 2007, after undergoing Tommy John Surgery. Dan Uggla singled, advanced to second on a wild pitch, and scored on an RBI double by Ronny Paulino.
In the fourth, the Marlins cushioned JJ's lead. Jorge Cantu doubled and scored on a double from Dan Uggla. Cody Ross singled to put runners at the corners, and Uggs scored on the fifth RBI of the series from Paulino, who reached on a force attempt and error by Rickie Weeks.
Going into the seventh, it had been 31 innings since Josh Johnson had given up an earned run. That streak was finally snapped as Jonathan Lucroy singled, advanced to third on a base hit by Joe Inglett, and scored on a sac fly from Weeks.
That was the only run JJ would allow in his start, and he finished the night after going seven strong innings, giving up just one run on seven hits, and striking out eight.
With a two-run cushion to work with, Clay Hensley tossed a scoreless eighth before Leo Nunez made his way to the mound to try and save the game.
Leo made it interesting--which is a pleasant word for terrifying--as he gave up three hits and allowed a run to the Brew Crew before inducing a fly ball from Prince Fielder and striking out Corey Hart to end the game.
After all heart rates returned to their usual pace, Leo had nailed down his twelfth save of the season, the win was preserved for Josh Johnson, and the Fish had taken three of four from Milwaukee to wrap up their homestand.
It just wouldn't be Marlins baseball without a little bit of drama.