Marlins Get Shut Out, 6-0; Suffer Sweep Against Chicago

MIAMI—It was the type of night many people expected from the Marlins this year. Inconsistent pitching, coupled with an ineffective offense and sub-par defense, resulted in a 6-0 loss against the Chicago Cubs.

The loss gave the Marlins their third series sweep of this young season, and dropped them to a league-worst 4-15.

Much like his last start, Sandy Alcantara was done in by one bad inning. After recording two outs in the 3rd, Sandy proceeded to allow five straight hits and four runs. Although he lost his command in the inning, some runs could be attributed to the defense. A Daniel Descalso double could possibly have been caught on the warning track in left field, but Austin Dean misjudged the ball and took a few steps forward, and couldn’t make up the ground in time, causing two runs to score.

Alcantara’s final line was abysmal (6 IP, 7 H, 5 ER, 7 K, 1 BB), but outside of the third inning, he allowed only one run on three hits. He retired the last nine batters he faced.

Meanwhile, the Marlins got nothing done against Cubs starter Cole Hamels (7 IP, 3 H, 0 ER, 0 BB, 8 K). Through the first six innings, the Marlins had one baserunner, which got erased by a double play. At one point, Hamels recorded 15 straight outs.

The Fish finally got an opportunity to claw back in the seventh, but couldn’t capitalize. With bases loaded and one out, Starlin Castro struck out, and Miguel Rojas lined out to right field.

This is already the fifth time the Marlins have been shut out this season. They’ve also scored three runs in four games.

Although the offense has been the focal point among the fan base, Don Mattingly said there isn’t a specific group of players to pin the recent losses on.

“We’re losing as a team. We’re not gonna get separated by offense, or defense, or pitching, or hitting. We’re losing all different ways,” Mattingly said.

The team had a short meeting after the game to discuss the disappointing performance. Miguel Rojas said this is the lowest point for the team all season, and that the off day on Thursday is much needed for an attitude change among the team.

“You gotta make a decision: you’re gonna either stay down, and be miserable for the rest of the year, or you’re gonna bounce back,” Rojas said.

The Fish stay home this weekend to face the Washington Nationals. Caleb Smith will start for Miami on Friday. He’s coming off a one-hit shut out over six innings against the Phillies last week.

Cubs vs. Marlins box score (MLB.com)

Fish Picks answer key

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