Marlins unable to sweep Brewers

Caleb Smith’s frustrating first inning ultimately spoiled a Marlins sweep opportunity Thursday afternoon against the Milwaukee Brewers at Miller Park. Christian Yelich and Mike Moustakas went deep off Smith, as the Brewers slid past the Marlins, 5-1.

Smith entered Thursday’s outing having allowed at least one home run in seven consecutive starts, dating back to April 25 against the Philadelphia Phillies. Yelich’s first-pitch blast to right center field extended that streak.

Moustakas, who finished the day 2-for-4, busted out two home runs off Smith. The left-hander went five innings and all four runs allowed came off the home run ball.

The Marlins, having won 13 of their past 18 games, outscored the Brewers, 24-3, in the first two games.

However, Brewers’ Freddy Peralta quieted the Marlins’ offense, scattering four hits and one run in six innings of work, while punching out nine. After being shutout through five innings of play, the Marlins jumped on the scoreboard, after Garrett Cooper’s RBI single brought home Rosell Herrera, who led off the inning with a double.

In the eighth, the Marlins had a great opportunity to chip away. With the bases loaded and two down, reliever Josh Hader struck out Starlin Castro swinging. Hader recorded the final four outs to secure his 14th save.

The Marlins finished 1-for-9 with runners in scoring position.

Concluding a 4-2 road trip, the Marlins will now return home to Marlins Park, opening a nine-game, 10-day homestand.

The Atlanta Braves will challenge Miami Friday night, Saturday afternoon and Sunday afternoon. Mike Soroka has been outstanding all season long, entering Friday with a 1.41 ERA. José Ureña will get the baseball for Miami. Ureña’s previous outing came on the West Coast, holding the San Diego Padres to three runs over six innings, picking up a victory. First pitch will be at 7:10 p.m.

Marlins vs. Brewers box score (MLB.com)

Fish Picks answer key

1. Brewers
2. Under
3. Under
4. Yelich
5. Brewers