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Bullpen cannot protect early lead, Marlins lose, 9-2

Trevor Richards did not go long in this one, and the offense continued to be non-existent.

By Jesse Nieves
MLB: Atlanta Braves at Miami Marlins Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports

The Marlins were held to three hits last night. Atlanta starter Mike Soroka had fantastic movement on his pitches, and the Fish’s bats could just not keep up. Trevor Richards was inconsistent, and could not go deep into the game. The bullpen also squandered away a 2-0 lead.

Trevor Richards: 4.1 IP, 2 H, 0 ER, 3 BB, 3 K

Mike Soroka: 7 IP, 3 H, 0 ER, 2 BB, 6 K

Richards was extremely inefficient in his start last night. While he did not give up any runs, he ran into trouble twice. The Braves were able to take him deep into counts. The nail in the coffin for Richards was his 37-pitch 4th inning. The Marlins need longer starts from their rotation.

The Marlins mostly got on base due to fielding errors. That is what gave Peter O’ Brien the opportunity to score two runs in his first plate appearance. He was able to take a ball tailing away from him and send it into center field. The Fish’s offense abruptly stopped after that. Their hitting struggles continued in this one, the question is how much longer can this inconsistency last.

The early lead was washed away during a five-run sixth inning by the Braves. The victim here was Nick Anderson. He gave up two singles, and a double. Ozzie Albies then came up with the bases loaded and took them all home on a grand slam. The ball that Albies sent flying was up in the zone, while catching too much of the plate. Anderson has been amazing with striking out hitters, but recently he has begun to get hit a bit.

The Braves continued to add on runs with a 4-run seventh inning. Tyler Kinley and Austin Brice both gave up hits to the Braves. Their stuff was ineffective, and the Braves took advantage. The bullpen can not be giving up runs like that. At the same time they should not have to come in that early.

The Fish have now lost the series to the Braves. They will be looking to avoid the sweep later on today. Pablo López will be taking on Julio Teherán. Neither pitcher has had much success yet. First pitch will be 1:10 p.m.

Marlins vs Braves box score (MLB.com)

Fish picks answer key

  1. Marlins
  2. Over
  3. Under
  4. No
  5. Marlins

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