Marlins finish homestand with 7-3 loss to Pirates

In the final game of a three-game series against the Pittsburgh Pirates, the Marlins couldn’t take advantage of early opportunities, and that would be their downfall. The Marlins fell to the Pirates, 7-3. They have not won any of their series this season.

The Marlins started the afternoon with three straight hits to load the bases with nobody out, but they left the first inning with only one run, an RBI groundout from third baseman Brian Anderson.

The Pirates would then score the next six runs, starting in the third inning when Josh Bell doubled home two of his teammates. Corey Dickerson added an RBI single to put Pittsburgh up 3-1. Bell and Dickerson would bring home more teammates in the later innings with a single and sacrifice fly, respectively. Starling Marte completed the road scoring with a home run to left, his fifth hit of the afternoon.

The Marlins would make a bit of a comeback attempt in the seventh, when Justin Bour hit a two-run homer. He went deep four times during the six-game homestand.

Ivan Nova allowed three runs and six hits in 6 2/3 innings for the Pirates, while José Ureña allowed four runs and eight hits in five innings for the Marlins (90 pitches). Rookie outfielder Lewis Brinson continues to struggle, as he went 0-for-4 with three strikeouts, and his batting average is down to .131.

There was a bit of extracurricular drama in this game, as three batters—two on the Pirates and one on the Marlins—were hit by pitches. In the third, Bucs second baseman Josh Harrison left the game after being hit in the wrist by Ureña. Then, Nova hit JB Shuck, and in the seventh, Odrisamer Despaigne plunked Francisco Cervelli.

Source: FanGraphs

Swordfish: JB Shuck (.061 WPA)

Flounder: José Ureña (-.218)

Play of the game: Josh Bell two-run double (.204)

Attendance: 10,621

In injury news, catcher J.T. Realmuto is expected to return from a back contusion sometime during the upcoming road trip, while third baseman Martin Prado is close to starting a rehab assignment, according to Don Mattingly.

The Marlins will now go on the road for a very tough nine-game, 10-day trip. Weather permitting, it starts on Monday in New York, when they take on Giancarlo Stanton in a meaningful game for the first time since December’s trade to the Yankees. Caleb Smith will start for Miami against star right-hander Luis Severino.

Remember to place your Itchy picks in the comments! And enjoy this holiday matchup.

Matchup Summary

The Marlins are coming off a tough 1-0 loss to the Pirates on Saturday night, and they’ll look to regroup. Today is the rubber match of the series.

If the Marlins win, it would mark their first series win of the season. Both teams’ Opening Day starters, Ivan Nova (Pirates), and José Ureña (Marlins) will be on the mound today. Happy Jackie Robinson Day!

Thread Question

Steal any Pittsburgh Pirate, and make him a Miami Marlin.