Miami Marlins face 1-4 defeat against St. Louis Cardinals in first regular season clash - MLB
Miami Marlins kicked off their 2012 Major League Baseball regular season with a 1-4 loss to St. Louis Cardinals at Marlins Park in Miami, Florida on April 4, 2012 as their starter Josh Johnson conceded 10 hits in six innings.
As had been the case in Spring Training, Marlins’ offence let them down in the season as well. In front of a jam packed ballpark, their hitters were struggling to connect hits and thus the fans that had thronged every nook and corner of the stadium were
disappointed.
Their desire to see the sculpture sparkling at the strike of homers never materialised as no home-run came off.
Star shortstop, Jose Reyes, managed two hits in four at-bats, skills regarding stealing bases and manufacturing runs so typical of him did not come through.
Even poorer was third baseman Hanley Ramirez, who remained hitless in four at-bats.
Johnson pitched six innings and gave up three runs while walking twice and managing four strike-outs.
An ace for Marlins, he is to perform consistently if the club has to experience a memorable season.
His incredible career ERA of 3.00 and 48-23 win loss record speak of how big a player he is and thus his significance for the Marlins.
Since he spent six innings, the club can take positives from his ability to stand tireless.
Irrespective of how the pitchers fared in the game, bigger concern for the Marlins is their hitters, who are not living up to expectations at the moment.
2011 World Championship winners, the Cardinals appeared just ready to build on their previous year.
Starter Kyle Lohse was so effective with his preparations that he stood for a lengthy seven innings, as he gave up just one run and struck-out three. With this performance, he has begun his 2012 regular season on a 1.23 ERA.
"It's a good ballpark for a pitcher, obviously," Lohse said. "It's pretty hard to get it out."
The fact it was a low scoring game with pitchers dominating largely reinforces what was reported earlier about the park’s pitching friendliness.
After adoring their roster with three all-star players in an expensive off-season deal, Marlins aim to see results surfacing. Otherwise fans’ criticism on lavish spending will be genuine. They will be looking forward to an improved show from players like
Reyes and Ramirez in upcoming games.
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