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Source: FanGraphs
Attendance: 14,222
Hero of the Game: Placido Polanco (0.143 WPA). I'll also grant Wade LeBlanc and Donovan Solano here for a solid effort in the loss
Goat of the Game: Rob Brantly (-0.329 WPA)
Play of the Game: Rob Brantly flied out to third base on a bunt. Donovan Solano thrown out at first (-0.277 WPA).
The Miami Marlins got another solid outing from another journeyman starting pitcher, as Wade LeBlanc delivered another strong performance on the mound for the team. LeBlanc struck out five batters in six innings of work with only one walk to his name, continuing his modus operandi of control pitching style. The only blemish for LeBlanc was a first-inning two-run home run by rookie catcher Evan Gattis that put the Atlanta Braves up early 2-0.
But unfortunately for the Marlins, that was all the lead the Braves needed, as the Fish could not muster any offense once again. The team gathered four hits along with five walks (one intentional) against Kris Medlen and the Braves' bullpen, despite Medlen not being at his strikeout-based sharpest. Compared to last season, the Marlins performed far better against Medlen but still could not string together enough hits or walks to sustain a rally. The Marlins got contributions from Greg Dobbs, Juan Pierre, Placido Polanco, and Donovan Solano as the Fish moved runners along just enough to pick up two runs, but the team's offense was held up just enough to prevent a comeback.
Eric O'Flaherty and Craig Kimbrel came in and, despite some difficulties, shut the Marlins down to preserve the game for the Braves. The losing play in the ninth inning came following a leadoff walk against Kimbrel. Rob Brantly inexplicably placed down a bunt which carried too far towards the third baseman Ramiro Pena and led to an easy double play. The Marlins, on the opposite side, have just a 1-7 record now and will try to salvage one game against Atlanta tomorrow.