Miami Marlins beat Cleveland Indians 3-2 as Heath Bell throws scoreless ninth - MLB Update
Starter Carlos Zambrano registers a win despite walking five as the Miami Marlins go past the Cleveland Indians 3-2 at Progressive Field, Cleveland, Ohio on May 18, 2012 in first game of the three match series.
Marlins struggled for hits and runs in the first two innings. Meanwhile, the Indians managed a two run lead in the bottom of the second and looked ahead for substantiating it.
Zambrano, despite being shaken for sometime was strong through seven innings. He tied the hitters’ hand with quality throws and never allowed them to take a lead to an unassailable level.
Far from an ideal outing in terms of their offence, the Marlins struck six hits. Thanks to a sacrifice fly by third baseman Hanley Ramirez in the eighth, they went ahead of the Indians and won.
As one run lead before start of the ninth was always vulnerable, closer did fine job and kept it intact.
Relief pitcher, Heath Bell has begun a journey to his best. Couple of weeks ago, he was being frowned upon by fans for squandering winning opportunities. Manager Ozzie Guillen kept faith in him and made sure his confidence will not suffer.
Rightly rewarding confidence the manager had put in him, as Bell threw an impeccable ninth and recorded his fourth save of the season.
Praising Zambrano, the manager Guillen was pleased with the way he reigned on his mind and threw intelligently. The fact he has been struggling against left-hand batters was little concerning, he stated.
''He deserved the win and should have a better record because he has pitched so well all season,'' Guillen said. ''He controlled his emotions and made the big pitch when he had to do it. ''I was a little worried because they have so many lefties in their
lineup and he's had trouble with lefties sometimes, but he did well.''
Second baseman Omar Infante keeps his slugging percentage at an enviably high position. As he went 1-for-3 and added one RBI, his slugging percentage stood at .574, at the end of the game.
It was a much needed victory for the Marlins.
After winning the first game of series, their morale is high. One can fancy a boost the victory has given to them will help the team that improved in areas they have been weak in the past.
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