Ramirez and Red Sox Beat Fish Around: Marlins lose 7-3

Hanley Ramirez, have yourself a day! The former Marlins shortstop fried the Fish by blasting his first home run of the season. He also stole his first base of the season during the top of the ninth inning. The Marlins hitting was quiet for most of the night and the pitching was sloppy.

Boston pitcher Brian Johnson pitched six innings, giving up six hits, one earned run, two walks and striking out five batters. Marlins starter Trevor Richards went four and one third innings giving up eight hits, five earned runs, one walk and striking out five batters. The first time through the order went smoothly for Richards.

The trouble began in the top of the fourth when Xander Bogarts singled off of Richards. Eduardo Núñez followed that up with a double scoring Bogarts. Christian Vazquez then hit a ball that deflected off the glove of third baseman Brian Anderson scoring two runs.

The next inning did not go any better for Richards. Former Florida Marlin Hanley Ramirez blasted a two-run shot into the crowd. Richards' night was done after giving up a single to Rafael Devers. Junichi Tazawa would come in and get Bogarts on a strike-him-out-throw-him-out double play, ending the inning. Chris O’Grady and Jacob Turner would each give up a run in their relief efforts.

Trevor Richards showed great promise and had a little bad luck on his side (deflection double off of Anderson’s glove). He kept many of the balls on the ground and kept hitters swinging through pitches. The Red Sox adjusted the second time though the lineup, after seeing his stuff at the plate. Richards did not adjust but over time throughout the season will learn to. I believe he will be a nice fixture in this Marlins rotation.

On the hitting side of the ball for the Fish Brian Anderson would smash his first career home run giving the Fish a one nothing lead in the bottom of the second. The kid with “no” power sent the ball opposite field and deep.

Lewis Brinson had his second multi hit game as a Marlin by knocking two singles. Starlin Castro continued to show that he is not just a positive influence in the locker room but on the field too. He had three hits and a RBI to go along with it. I will admit I was one of the people who expected him to be moved before spring. But I am pleasantly surprised with him so far and love his attitude and play.

Photo by Streeter Lecka/Getty Images

The Marlins have shown in the series against the Chicago Cubs not to count them out. They have the ability to bounce back after a tough loss. The Marlins face ace Chris Sale Tuesday who will be going up against José Ureña. Ureña will be looking to redeem himself after getting blown out opening day. Start time is 6:10pm.

Swordfish: Christian Vazquez (WPA .256)

Flounder: Trevor Richards (WPA -.316)

Play of the Game: Hanley Ramirez two run home run

Attendance: 11,113

Welcome to the game five thread! Don’t forget to place your Icthyomancy picks

Here is an excerpt regarding the prediction contest, in case you have no idea what we’re talking about:

Attendance

Attendance is a big deal in Marlins baseball, like it or not. In each game, we will guess the attendance of the game, home or away, and the closest guess will be worth 2 points.

Individual Games

You can make your best prediction for game scores. A pass costs you nothing. Post your prediction of the score, and if it’s a direct hit (with the correct teams), that’s three points. If you pick the correct winner and by the actual number of runs, that’ll be two points. Predict which team wins, and that’s a single point.

Individual Predictions

These are our prop bets. You’re allowed to make up to two “outside the box” predictions for each contest. Points will be awarded based on the probability of something happening. If you’ve predicted something unfathomably rare (a no-hitter, pitcher hits two home runs, Justin Bour steals seven bases) and it comes true, that’s going to be a lot of points. Everyday things will be worth less. What the heck? The game is free - swing for the fences!

Matchup Summary:

The Boston Red Sox come into Miami to face the Marlins in what should be a fun matchup. The Marlins are coming off a surprising four game series split with the Chicago Cubs. The Red Sox took three out of four from the Tampa Bay Rays and are looking to continue their momentum. This game can really go either way especially with this pitching matchup. Can the Marlins continue rolling? Will Lewis Brinson continue hitting? Find out at 7:10 pm.

Thread Question:

Who will steal a base first Brinson or Maybin?