Jordan Yamamoto blanks Cardinals again

Paced by homers from Starlin Castro and Brian Anderson, and Jordan Yamamoto’s seven spectacular innings, the Miami Marlins broke a two-game losing skid and defeated the Cardinals Tuesday night at Busch Stadium, 6-0.

Yamamoto, in his professional debut June 12, tossed seven shutout frames versus these same Cardinals at Marlins Park, needing 95 pitches. Stretched to 99 pitches during the rematch, he allowed just two hits: to Dexter Fowler and the opposing pitcher Jack Flaherty.

Flaherty, on the other hand, worked seven innings, coughing up three runs via the home run ball.

Scoreless into the fifth, Castro belted a 378-foot solo shot to left to open the scoring for Miami.

Seeking insurance runs late in the contest, Brian Anderson stepped up, delivering a two-run drive to left in the seventh. That extended Miami’s edge to 3-0. The Marlins wounded up pouring on three runs in the eighth, including a Garrett Cooper RBI single, who extended his hitting streak to 11 games.

Miami’s relievers backed up Yamamoto’s brilliance. Tayron Guerrero and Sergio Romo did not allow a hit between them.

Yamamoto was able to mix his pitches, utilizing a slider, four-seam fastball, curveball, changeup and cutter. Just like last week, he also benefitted from quality defensive plays behind him.

The rookie right-hander was able to secure some special history tonight, becoming the first pitcher—at least since 1908—to open his career with back-to-back starts of 7+ shutout innings and three or fewer hits surrendered.

Miami will look to righty Trevor Richards Wednesday night to continue a four-game set against the Cardinals. Richards was hit hard versus Pittsburgh in his previous outing at Marlins Park. In five innings, Richards allowed a career-worst 11 hits, all while striking out a season-low one batter. St. Louis’ Daniel Ponce de Leon will take the hill, making his 14th career start. First pitch is scheduled for 8:15 p.m. ET.

Marlins vs. Cardinals box score (Baseball Theater)

Fish Picks answer key

1. Marlins
2. Over
3. Under
4. Yes
5. Marlins