MLB Scores: Colorado Rockies 6, Miami Marlins 5

Miami Marlins starter Henderson Alvarez ended 2013 on a high note after pitching a no-hitter in October. But in his first start of 2014, a 6-5 loss to the Colorado Rockies, Alvarez struggled from the getgo. Jordan Lyles was able to keep Miami off the board and Latroy Hawkins was able to earn the save despite giving up a run.

Beginning in the first inning, Alvarez was leaving pitches up and the Rockies were taking advantage of them. Carlos Gonzalez, Justin Morneau, and catcher Jordan  Pachecho all had RBIs in an extended first inning which hurt Alvarez's pitch count.

Garrett Jones' first inning RBI single to get the Marlins on the board was expected to help Alvarez, however a lack of command led Manager Mike Redmond to end his night after just three innings. Over those three innings, Alvarez gave up six runs (three earned) while walking two and striking out one.

Defensively on Wednesday, Miami struggled. Of the six runs Alvarez gave up, only three of them were earned. A pair of errors (one of which was unsuccessfully challenged) by shortstop Adeiny Hechavarria and Derek Dietrich led to big first and fourth innings for Colorado.

Kevin Slowey was effective in relief of Alvarez, giving up just three hits over four innings of work. Dan Jennings was also solid in his two innings of work, and the Marlins' bullpen successfully kept the Rockies off of the board after the fourth.

Giancarlo Stanton hit his first home run of the season in a three run sixth inning, however the Marlins' inability to capitalize with runners in scoring position (2-12) hurt them late in the game.

Stanton added an RBI in the bottom of the ninth, but Hawkins was able to get Jones to pop out to end the game.

Source: FanGraphs

Attendance: 15,866

Hero of The Game: Casey McGehee (.176 WPA)

Goat of The Game: Henderson Alvarez (-.371 WPA0

Play of The Game: Carlos Gonzalez doubled to center in the first inning. Michael Cuddyer scored. (.110 WPA)