Josh Johnson’s superb pitching helps Florida Marlins clobber Pittsburgh Pirates 6-0: MLB Update
Florida Marlins’ starter Josh Johnson had a big day as he struck out nine batters in the Marlins’ 6-0 win over the Pittsburgh Pirates at the Sun Life Stadium, Florida, on April 19.
Johnson remained on top throughout the game as he allowed no run on two hits in seven inning pitches and gave just one walk. He continued his last game performance by giving no run. Johnson upheld his pitches with an ERA of 1.00 in the last four starts of
this season. The batters had hitting average of .112 off Johnson which proved his pitching abilities in a better way.
Johnson expressed his excitement as, “I was like, 'I got it,' and just hoping he heard me. If he had stood up a second longer I might not have seen the ball, because they threw it right over the top of his head.”
It was the first time in Johnson’s 108 career starts that he pitched shut-out innings. He had thrown 98 pitches in these innings. But for the last two innings, he was replaced by the relievers to take him some rest which was the better decision taken by
the Marlins’ Manager Edwin Rodriguez.
Johnson has energy to throw countless pitches. In the last three starts, he threw almost 17 pitches without giving a run. He deceived many batters with his curveballs and fastballs. He pitched these curveballs seven or eight times over the Pirates. Johnson
was a man, who led the National League in ERA during 2010. Johnson was on top with the bat also as he posted two runs by hitting over the second baseman.
The Marlins’ relievers, Brian Sanches and Mike Dunn, also played their role in the end of the game to strike-out one and two batters, respectively. The Pirates loosed their momentum and were struck-out 12 times.
On the other side, the Pirates’ starter Paul Maholm had a worst day as he gave six runs on seven hits including six earned runs. He had only four strike-outs in 3 2/3 innings. Maholm hit out Mike Stanton in the second inning after which John Buck and Emilio
Bonifacio loaded the bases with an infield single. Maholm ended his play after giving a walk to Hanley Ramirez.
Speaking to reporters, Maholm said, “It stinks. I didn't give the team a chance to win. Facing Johnson, you've got to be good, and I wasn't.”
For the Pirates, Garrett Jones took a single run towards the right field position in the fifth inning while John Bowker continued the run flow by taking another single in the sixth inning. But unluckily, both the runners were hit-out on the double-play.
Tags: