Manager Mike Redmond stressed the importance of the Marlins getting off to a consistent start after the All-Star break. In the six weeks leading up to the midsummer classic, the squad was able to score runs while the pitching staff, led by Jose Fernandez, kept the Marlins in games.
Since May 31, the Marlins have posted a 22-17 record, the second best winning percentage in the National League and fifth best in baseball over that span. However, the Milwaukee Brewers shut out the Marlins 2-0 in the first game after the break on Friday night.
Turner Pitches Well, Keeps Marlins in Game
Miami starter Jacob Turner has posted a 2.33 earned run average which is the seventh best in the the NL since he was recalled from Triple-A. Heading into Friday's start, Turner had given up the second fewest number of home runs per nine innings.
Despite his recent success, Turner hung a pair of pitches and the Brewers capitalized.
In the fourth inning, Juan Francisco homered to left center field, and in the fifth, Carlos Gomez hit a ball over the left field wall to give the Brewers the only two runs they would need. It was the fourth time in 22 starts that Turner gave up multiple home runs. Before Friday's start, he only served up one long ball in his previous 54 innings.
Over his five innings, Turner gave up five hits and two runs while walking four and striking out six.
Hechavarria Stays Hot Offensively
Shortstop Adeiny Hechavarria has had the second best average in the NL since July 1st. Six of his seven last games were multi-hit games, and though Brewers starter Kyle Lohse dominated the Marlins lineup, Hechavarria was able to collect three hits.
Hechavarria's three hit night pushed his average to .248, which as Clark Spencer of the Miami Herald pointed out, pushed him above Stanton's .246 batting average.
As a team, the Marlins struggled to get runners in scoring position against the former Cardinal. Miami was 0-5 with RISP on Friday.
Over his six innings, Lohse gave up five hits and did not walk a batter.
Marlins Bullpen Solid
In relief of Turner, Ryan Webb, A.J. Ramos and Dan Jennings struck out five Brewers over three scoreless innings.
Webb's relief appearances continue to be monitored as the trade deadline approaches. Webb is one reliever that could be dealt before the end of the month.
Source: FanGraphs