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The Miami Marlins have been struggling for much of spring training offensively, so an outburst of runs has been a very rare sighting indeed. But the Fish were able to pull off yet another outburst just a day after their split roster put up eight runs versus the Washington Nationals yesterday. This time, the Marlins, led by improbable names Chone Figgins, Marcell Ozuna, and Chris Coghlan put up a barrage to beat down Tim Hudson and the Atlanta Braves.
Offensive Assault
The Marlins put up an onslaught of an offensive performance, scoring at least a run in five out of the nine innings played and putting this game out of reach early by staking a 5-0 advantage by the end of the second inning. The Fish even managed two home runs in the process, both hit by top prospects on the team. Christian Yelich continues his spring tear with his second home run of the preseason against Cory Rasmus, whom I can only presume is Colby Rasmus's brother. Marcell Ozuna also got in on the act with his first homer of the campaign, driving in three runs early in the game against Braves starter Tim Hudson.
But power is not the only thing the Marlins provided in their 15 hits. Chone Figgins, who is competing for a roster spot as a utility bench player, helped his cause tremendously by racking up four hits in as many appearances and driving in and scoring two runs. Chris Coghlan also helped his chances of making what is likely a final run at a roster spot, as he put up a three-hit day with two doubles.
LeBlanc Strengthening Hold of Fifth Rotation Spot
Meanwhile, Wade LeBlanc did his part in securing the victory for the Marlins by pitching a shutout outing versus the Braves. LeBlanc went four innings without a run allowed, but it was not all pretty. He did not walk any hitters, but he struck out only one batter along the way as well. In addition, he allowed five hits, though none of them came very close to scoring. Part of the reason why batters did not get far against LeBlanc was that he was nailing them off of the bases as well, as he also picked off B.J. Upton twice in the game.
Next Game: Monday, March 11. 1:05 PM EST, vs. Boston Red Sox