Miami Marlins lose 2-3 to Tampa Bay Rays in 2012 Spring Training - MLB Update
Josh Johnson concedes two earned runs in over four innings he spent on the mound as Miami Marlins suffer a 2-3 defeat against Tampa Bay Rays on March 20, 2012 at Roger Dean Stadium in Jupiter, Florida during their Grapefruit League clash.
However manager, Ozzie Guillen was happy at prospects Johnson showed in the game for regular season.
"He threw the ball well once again," Guillen said. "Every day his progress is on the right track."
Likely opening day starter for Marlins, Johnson, was though fairly reasonable in terms of strike-outs and hits, was unable to save his side from the defeat. He took four strike-outs, walked once and allowed four hits.
"The first two innings I found somewhat of a rhythm, then it kind of went away for the last three. I had to battle and battle," Johnson said. "My arm strength feels like it is getting there."
Ryan Webb, Marlins' closer, also did an extremely good job by going scoreless in one inning he pitched.
Their shortstop, in the absence of Jose Reyes, Donovan Solano was unable to connect even a single hit in three at-bats he came across. Almost similar was the case with their in-fielder Chris Coghlan who did not get a hit in four at-bats.
However their right fielder, Austin Kearns, coming down in the line-up got one hit and added two RBIs in three at-bats.
If Marlins were finding it hard to strike hits, almost same is the case with Rays' batters who just managed eight hits in total 32 at-bats.
Rays' star performer was their shortstop, Will Rhymes, who drew three RBIs and connected two hits in five at-bats.
Tampa Bay received an amazing start from their starter, Wade Davis, who ran through Marlins' line-up like a breeze. He not only conceded just three hits, he took five strike-outs as well and gave up only one run.
For the Marlins, seeing their starter show consistency in pace and variations on the mound spells positive and in their next games they are certainly going to see a much improved performance from him.
While today’s game has not revealed anything terribly wrong with Marlins' overall preparations, it is a victory that they need to get their confidence back.
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