Miami Marlins beat Pittsburgh Pirates 6-2 as Josh Johnson shines on the mound - MLB Update
Second baseman Omar Infante put in a splendid show on the plate and helps the Miami Marlins win 6-2 against the Pittsburgh Pirates at Marlins Park, Miami, FL on May 15, 2012 in second game of the two match series.
Pumped by an impressive outing by their starter, Marlins’ batters made most of the opportunity. Following a 1-1 tie in the first inning, hitters enjoyed a luxury starter Josh Johnson provided by not giving up many runs.
As there was nothing that will hamper their confidence, they accumulated five runs in the fourth. Infante did the bulk of the damage. Single he hit to left brought two base-runners on home plate and sent one on second.
While Infante made four hits in five at-bats, Hanley Ramirez was another player who stood out.
Ramirez was not as effective as he was supposed to be, so far in the games. His composure was misplaced and swings were counter-productive and so much so he was testing patience of his manager Ozzie Guillen.
This game will go a long way in shredding concerns of the management about his plate performance. As he went on to generate three hits in five at-bats, he improved his batting average to .234.
Left-fielder Logan Morrison was a disappointment for the Marlins. After hitting homers and leading the Marlins in their victories in couple of games, he was 0-for-3 in the game.
He will hope, it will prove transient and in upcoming games, he will be back to his best.
Johnson did the starting job for the Marlins. He spent a lengthy time on the mound. In seven innings, he gave up six hits and allowed two runs.
"I just want to be part of it," Johnson said. "Every one of us can go out there and throw a complete game. It's fun to watch, and fun to be a part of."
Manager Guillen was relieved after the ace Johnson put up terrific performance. As he was struggling so far in the season, manager looks forward to his becoming a consistent partner in their victories now.
"I'm very happy for JJ," Guillen said. "He threw good. Hopefully with this game he gets back on track. He's our ace. Hopefully he starts pitching like he is."
For how long the Marlins can sustain their winning momentum will be interesting to observe, as the season unfolds.
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