Miami Marlins outclassed by Pittsburgh Pirates 3-4 as Ricky Nolasco allows two home runs - MLB
Starter Ricky Nolasco struggles on the mound as the Miami Marlins’ slump continues with another 3-4 defeat against the Pittsburgh Pirates on July 20, 2012 at PNC Park, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania in the first game of the three match series.
Despite adding two runs in the first, the Marlins failed to keep their momentum afloat throughout the game. Just what happened with them in the last game as the middle of the line-up was silent throughout the game. An inability to see home-runs during the
middle passage of the match is costing them heavily.
Whenever they record a lead, it is blown right away as their offence lacks the flair for counter attacking and their pitchers succumb to pressure late in the innings.
Their first baseman Carlos Lee was hitless on Friday. Although he enjoyed a grand slam a couple of games back, he has not been consistent producing positive things for the team.
Lee was taken by Miami through trade.
One of the reasons behind this was an injury to the Marlins’ right-fielder Giancarlo Stanton. Therefore, what the club wish to see the most from him is a kind of slugging display that Stanton brings with his presence on the plate.
Besides Lee, Emilio Bonifacio could not use his at-bats to maximum on Friday. He connected just one hit in five at-bats.
Furthermore, Miami's pitching crew was as poor on the mound as it has been from day one in the season.
Their starter Ricky Nolasco leaked four runs in six innings. Though he struck-out seven, but those runs that he gave up were enough to see the Marlins never came back into the game.
Miami’s manager Ozzie Guillen emphasised the need to capitalise on the opportunities that arise during the match. In-particular, Guillen is concerned about the way his team falters during penultimate moments of the game.
"It seems like we're rewinding a movie," Guillen said. "We have a few opportunities and we don't get it done early, and then late we have more opportunities and we can't get it done."
It was the first game of the three match series. Therefore, the Marlins still have an opportunity to clinch a series victory.
In order to win the next two games, their offence will looking to step up and will be taking the base-runners aboard more often.
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