Miami Marlins lose to Arizona Diamondbacks 4-8 as their slump continues - MLB Update
Starter Josh Johnson gives up five hits as the Miami Marlins lose 4-8 to Arizona Diamondbacks on April 29, 2012 at Marlins Park in Miami, Florida.
Bad time stays for the Marlins. After winning yesterday, it was perceived that a recovery from the slump is in the making. It was not to be as they are humiliated in front of a home crowd numbering 34,918 by the Diamondbacks.
As poor as their offence has been in the season, their pitching staff also appeared no different today.
In little more than five innings, Johnson conceded five runs and struck-out eight, something the Marlins cannot afford to see coming off from their ace who is supposed to spearhead their journey to redemption at the moment.
"I threw some good pitches. I was just inconsistent," he said. "You've got to find a way to keep it together and keep pushing."
Mike Dunn was even worse when he was sent on the mound in place of Johnson with the task of restricting the proceedings from going out of control. In less than one inning, he gave up three runs, two walks and two hits.
Shortstop Jose Reyes was hitless again for the Marlins and his present standing of .205/.276/.321 in the season is a stark contrast to an otherwise magnificent career that he has.
Game went way out of reach of the Marlins as the Diamondbacks added two and five runs in fifth and sixth innings respectively. Nearly unassailable lead of the Diamondbacks was never threatened during the game and three runs added in the bottom of ninth by
the Marlins was just too little, too late kind of attempt.
Right-fielder Giancarlo Stanton’s homer in ninth was the only silver-lining for the Marlins. A ballpark as long as the Marlins’ one is, managing a homer is not a small feet.
Every good performance the Marlins put up immediately follows a bad one. Instead of building on positive sentiments ensuing after a victory, they move back to a dreadful performance.
The season is unfolding as a nightmare for the fans, who pinned high hopes before the season, largely due to star players they saw forming the line-up.
Sooner the Marlins provide the fans a reason to keep coming to the ballpark in big numbers, the better it will be for the club. Otherwise disinterest will take root taking root amongst their followers and will hamper long-term stability of the club.
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