Rockies 1, Marlins 0, Ureña records loss despite another strong start

The Marlins continued to waste excellent starting pitching as they were shut-out for the fourth time this season against the Colorado Rockies. Tyler Anderson took the mound for the Rockies, but after a meeting in the second inning Anderson was pulled with one on and one out in the bottom of the second. Manager Bud Black went on the Rockies telecast and originally reported a potential heart issue, possibly even an irregular heartbeat, but Anderson would later report it was neither. According to Nick Groke of The Athletic, it was just a case of dizziness and feeling light-headed. Regardless, one has to hope that everything is alright in light of how scary potential heart-related issues can be.

Antonio Senzatela would come in to cover for Anderson in the second. He proceeded to walked Cameron Maybin after inheriting Anderson’s 3-1 count, but sent Miguel Rojas and Lewis Brinson back to the dugout on fly balls. This began last night’s trend where the Marlins couldn’t capitalize on premium opportunities. They would go on to leave nine runners in scoring position.

José Ureña came out dealing tonight against the power-laden Rockies. He worked around a two-out single in the second inning. DJ LeMahieu would double off of him in the third inning, however he was picked off to end the inning. LeMahieu would leave the ballgame with a hamstring issue. Apparently, the Coors Field Cadre is experiencing some bad injury juju down in Miami.

After going 1-2-3 in the fourth inning, Urena’s fifth started off with a Trevor Story ground out to the shortstop. Gerardo Parra doubled in his first game back after a four-game suspension due to his involvement in the brawl with the San Diego Padres. Ian Desmond would ground out to Martin Prado, which left the Rockies with two outs and one man on base in a tie ballgame. The Marlins intentionally walked the Rockies’ number eight man, Chris Ianneta, so they could face the right-handed pitcher Antonio Senzatela, who had only four hits all last season. He would proceed to produce his first hit of 2018 with a grounder that drove in Parra.

This yielded the only run of the game as Urena would pitch a scoreless 6th inning and would work around a lead-off single in the 7th before being replaced with Nick Wittgren. This makes him the third Marlins pitcher to record at least seven innings in a game. Urena final stat line reads 7.0 IP, 6 H, 1 ER, 1 BB, and 5 K all on 98 pitches. The Marlins have now recorded five consecutive solid starts but hold a 2-3 record over that same stretch.

The only real threat the Marlins offense could muster would come in the 8th inning. J.T. Realmuto would open things up with a leadoff single. After Prado flew out to David Dahl in right field, Starlin Castro grounded a single to second. With two men on base and a chance to take the lead, Brian Anderson and Justin Bour would both strike out courtesy of Adam Ottavino’s slider wizardy.

The ninth inning was no different as Wade Davis looked to close out the game for the Rockies. Derek Dietrich would double to right to start things off, but this was followed by Davis catching both Miguel Rojas and Lewis Brinson looking with a nasty curve ball. After a J.B. Shuck walk, Realmuto remained the Marlins last hope. He would proceed to ground into a fielder’s choice and conclude last night’s ballgame.

FanGraphs.com

Swordfish: Antonio Senzatela (.278 WPA)

Flounder: Miguel Rojas (-.303 WPA)

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Matchup Summary

José Ureña struggled in his last start against the Milwaukee Brewers where he gave up four runs and four hits in 5 innings pitched. He’ll look to establish himself as the Marlins’ ace as he continues his campaign in his last year of total team salary control. For the best analysis on him, check out Mitch Custer’s excellent piece from earlier this month.

Tyler Anderson will take the mound for the Rockies. Over the course of his 5 starts this season, his most recent start against the Cubs was his best. During his six strong innings on the mound he allowed two runs on six hits with six K’s. He relies on a strong fastball and a hard cutter while letting the Rockies strong defense prop him up.

Thread Question:

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