Marlins veterans take charge in 4-1 win

Wei-Yin Chen won his first start in over a year, and the Marlins (8-18) notched their eighth win of the season with a 4-1 victory over the Colorado Rockies (15-13) on Saturday night.

Chen, whose been plagued by injury issues, was strong in his return to the mound, allowing one run and four hits in 5 ¹⁄₃ innings. He earned the win, and the Marlins bullpen helped finish the job. Four Marlins pitchers combined to allow zero hits or runs, with Kyle Barraclough closing the door in the ninth.

The Marlins took the lead in the first and they never looked back. Martín Prado, who just returned from injury, drove home J.T. Realmuto after a fielder’s choice. Prado boosted Miami’s lead in the third when he doubled home Starlin Castro.

The Marlins would lead 3-0 before the Rockies finally made an attempt at a comeback. Charlie Blackmon homered off Chen to begin the sixth, trimming the lead to 3-1. But Colorado would never get any closer than that. The following inning, Derek Dietrich homered off old friend Mike Dunn to give the Marlins the 4-1 advantage. That appearance actually lowered Dunn’s 2018 earned run average to 10.57.

The Fish got their third win in four games, all against playoff teams from a year ago. Dietrich and Prado both had two hits and two RBI apiece, accounting for half of the eight Marlins hits tonight. Prado was also very sharp defensively, reacting quickly at third base to several line drives and saving a run when he charged a soft grounder.

Marlins starting pitchers have been clicking recently, as they have combined for a 1.57 ERA over a six-game span.

In injury news, Justin Bour was a late scratch from the lineup with back spasms. He is considered day-to-day. Right-hander Dan Straily (forearm strain) will make his season debut on Monday against Philadelphia.

The Marlins will look to win their second consecutive series in the rubber match tomorrow afternoon. Chad Bettis will be on the bump for Colorado, while Caleb Smith gets the start for the Marlins.

Source: FanGraphs

Kingfish: Nick Wittgren (.155 WPA)

Flounder: Gerardo Parra (-.196)

Play of the Game: Prado’s RBI double (.102)

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Original Marlins lineup had Derek Dietrich starting in left field, Justin Bour at first base and Brian Anderson on the bench. Bour was scratched with back spasms; his status is day to day.

Thread Question

Do you think Lewis Brinson should be demoted to Triple-A after getting off to such a slow start to the season?