After a disappointing 12-2 loss to the Pittsburgh Pirates on Friday night, the Marlins were looking to bounce back against Pittsburgh on Saturday. Just like they did on Friday, the Marlins laid an egg, as they were shutout in a 4-0 defeat.
Ivan Nova was flawless for Pittsburgh, as he only allowed the Marlins to have three hits. Nova pitched a complete game, and he struck out 7 batters while not allowing a single walk. The Marlins lost their fourth straight game mainly because they couldn’t figure out Nova, who retired 11 at a row at one point.
The Pirates first got on the board in the second inning when Jordy Mercer singled, scoring Gregory Polanco. Pittsburgh would score their next two runs in an unusual way, as they took a 3-0 lead after two bases loaded walks. John Jaso would put the icing on the cake when he homered in the ninth, which put the Pirates up 4-0.
Dan Straily pitched 5.1 innings for Miami, allowing four hits and three runs while also fanning five hitters. Straily nearly matched Nova after five innings, but he walked three straight batters in the sixth, which helped Pittsburgh score two more runs. Martin Prado, Marcell Ozuna, and Justin Bour were the only Marlins that were able to get a hit.
Miami was the latest victim of Nova’s red hot start to the season, as he’s walked only one batter in 27 innings pitched this year. Miami’s pitching was solid, as they only allowed six hits. However, they did have five walks, which proved to be crucial in the outcome of this game. Polanco had two doubles for Pittsburgh, while Mercer added two hits.
After being dominated by the Pirates in the first two games, the Marlins will look to salvage this series by winning the rubber match tomorrow afternoon. The Pirates will look to win their fourth straight game, while the Marlins will look to snap a four-game losing streak. Tom Koehler gets the start for Miami, while Chad Kuhl will be on the bump for Pittsburgh.
Swordfish: Ivan Nova (.471)
Flounder: J.T. Realmuto (-.144)
Play of the game: Jordy Mercer singled to center, Gregory Polanco scored (.100)