Marlins get shut out, 4-0

JUPITER, Fla.—The Marlins’ bats were silenced yet again, and dropped Wednesday’s game against the Atlanta Braves, 4-0.

The story of the day was Nick Neidert. His Spring Training debut had been a sub-par outing in which he gave up two runs in one inning. Now, the Georgia native and highly regarded right-hander was looking to rebound against his hometown team.

The first inning this afternoon was threatening to look much the same as his last start. He allowed two walks, and only had two 1st-pitch strikes against the six batters he faced. He needed 24 pitches to get out of it, and only managed to throw 10 strikes. Miraculously, the Fish exited the inning unscathed.

Neidert came out much better in the second, going through the lineup in order. Acting manager Tim Wallach was impressed with how the 22-year-old was able to rebound:

“It’s important. It shows you he’s the right kind of guy...He made adjustments in between innings, and that’s what you have to do if you wanna be a starting pitcher in the big leagues.”

Meanwhile, Sergio Romo had his first blemish of the spring, giving up the first run of the game in the third inning.

Jordan Holloway, who is in his first ever spring training after going through Tommy John surgery two years ago, had his struggles as well. Despite a 1-2-3 fifth inning, Holloway gave up two runs and two walks in the next inning, and only managed to get one out. Despite the rocky outing, Holloway remained positive.

“Obviously it didn’t turn out the way I wanted it to...but I felt good. Everything is kind of starting to come into place again,” said Holloway, who spent last season with Short Season A Batavia. “Getting used to going back out for more than one inning. So all in all it was fine.”

Once again, the Fish couldn't muster enough offense. The starters combined to go 2-for-17. Meanwhile, Lewis Brinson, Brian Anderson and others were down the road battling the Houston Astros in West Palm Beach. They also lost, 11-5, with Drew Steckenrider’s disastrous outing—0.1 IP, 3 H, 6 ER, 2 BB—making the difference in the outcome.

The Marlins’ minus-28 run differential is the worst in the Grapefruit League.

Reunited in Jupiter, the Marlins are back Thursday with a full roster to play the Houston Astros at 1:05 p.m. Once again, the game won’t be televised, but Fish Stripes will be on site. Jose Urena takes the hill and looks to improve on his 4.50 ERA.