Miami Marlins fall to Boston Red Sox 5-6 as Edward Mujica allows two runs in the eighth-MLB
Relief pitcher Edward Mujica betrays the Miami Marlins in the eighth as he cost a 5-6 loss against the Boston Red Sox at Fenway Park, Boston, Massachusetts in third game of the three match series on June 21, 2012.
A consolation victory which the Marlins were about to record was snatched from them in the last two innings.
Right from the start, they looked all set to unravel Boston and surge to a convincing victory.
While Boston did not give any impression of resistance for first half and thus allowed the Marlins entertain thoughts of triumph, tables were turned in the eighth, much to the detriment of the latter.
Unsurprisingly, right fielder Giancarlo Stanton spearheaded Miami offence, just as he has been doing from day one. Thrashing two hits in three at-bats, he added one RBI and reached home plate twice himself.
Unfortunately, third baseman Hanley Ramirez who came as a designated hitter had another forgettable day. Unable to shed the jinx he is trapped by, he wasted four at-bats, bringing his batting average down to .255.
Left fielder Logan Morrison failed to repeat the performance that he delivered in the last couple of games. Missing four at-bats, his slugging percentage dwindled to .404.
Carlos Zambrano started for Miami. While he did well for first three innings, next two innings following them became his undoing. Giving up three runs and five hits, he allowed Boston to pick up some momentum, which later resulted in Miami’s defeat.
Marlins’ relievers succumbed to pressure. Unable to restrain nerves and show control, they leaked hits and thus sent Boston on a run-spree during penultimate moments.
Mujica bore the brunt of a late onslaught by Boston. Two runs he gave up proved decisive, leading to a three-game sweep of the Marlins.
Marlins’ manager Ozzie Guillen calls for fighting spirit and hopes to see it from players soon.
''This hurt a lot,'' Ozzie Guillen said. ''We've got to come back with a winning attitude. Fight for it. Good fighter fight the fight. Bad fighter throw in the towel.''
Sweep will magnify Marlins' worries. Getting out from the current mess will require stunning performances from the players. They will like to witness them at the earliest.
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