MLB Scores: White Sox, 4, Marlins, 2

The Miami Marlins are just days removed from a series where they suffered two very tough losses to the San Francisco Giants, as they lost two of three games to start their homestand. Coming into Friday’s contest against the Chicago White Sox, who are six games under .500, Miami was looking to hit the restart button and continue to build its small lead over the St. Louis Cardinals for the second NL Wild Card. Slowed by dominate pitching from White Sox pitcher Carlos Rodon, the Marlins were unable to put up a sufficient amount of runs, as they were defeated by Chicago, 4-2, in the opening game of this three-game weekend series.

Rodon pitched one of his best outings of the season, as he allowed one run and three hits while striking out four batters in 6.0 innings of work. It was easier for Rodon to be successful tonight, because by the time the Marlins were batting in the second inning, he already had a comfortable lead. Rodon got most of his run support in the first inning, as the White Sox were able to get to Marlins starting pitcher Andrew Cashner very early in the game. Melky Cabrera singled to right, which scored Adam Eaton, and the White Sox jumped out to the early 1-0 lead.

Chicago was able to pad that lead when Jose Abreu singled to center, which brought Tyler Saladino home, and the White Sox took the 2-0 advantage. Saladino did more damage in the top of the second inning, when he brought Omar Narvaez home after singling to center, which extended the White Sox lead to 3-0. Finally, the Marlins had a response to the White Sox in the bottom of the fourth, when J.T. Realmuto singled to center, which scored Martin Prado, and it cut the White Sox lead to 3-1. Chicago would build on their two-run lead in the top of the fifth thanks to Tim Anderson.

Anderson hit a flyball to Giancarlo Stanton, but it was deep enough to score Todd Frazier as that gave Chicago the 4-1 advantage. The Marlins were threatening in the bottom of the seventh, as they had two runners on base. Dee Gordon brought Adeiny Hechavarria home after he hit a sacrifice fly to center fielder J.B. Shuck, which cut the deficit to 4-2. Miami would be unable to score for the rest of the game, as Chicago hung on to win the first game of this series by a score of 4-2.

Cashner was only able to pitch five innings after allowing four runs and nine hits. Eaton had a big day at the plate for Chicago, as he went 4-5 with a run scored. After blowing two straight saves, David Robertson got the save after pitching a clean ninth inning. The Marlins have now lost three of their first four games on this homestand. Miami still holds a half game lead over St. Louis for the second NL Wild Card. This series will continue tomorrow, as Adam Conley takes the mound for Miami at 7:10 ET.

Source: FanGraphs

Hero of the Game: Carlos Rodon (0.20)

Goat of the Game: Andrew Cashner (-0.22)

Play of the Game: Tyler Saladino hits a ground rule double, Adam Eaton advances to third (.105)