Ricky Nolasco’s shut-out innings help Florida Marlins defeat Oakland Athletics 3-0 – MLB Update
Florida Marlins’ starter, Ricky Nolasco had an extraordinary day as he pitched nine score-less innings with an ERA of 4.08 in the Marlins’ 3-0 win against the Oakland Athletics at O.co Coliseum, Oakland on June 29.
The Marlins were able to tie the three-game series 1-1 after winning this crucial game.
During the first inning, the Marlins’ short-stop, Hanley Ramirez struck a one-run homer (409 feet) towards centre-field and utility player Emilio Bonifacio posted one run to give the Marlins a 2-0 lead. The pitchers were on top in the second and third inning
as they threw fastballs at the feet of the batters.
Mike Stanton was struck-out swinging and John Buck flied out to right-field at the top of the second. Kurt Suzuki got out towards centre-field and Scott Sizemore flied out to right-field at the bottom of the second inning. Similarly, the batters got out
with a continuous interval during the third inning as well.
Suzuki said, “It is frustrating. When you're not getting the results you want, it can wear on you.”
At the top of the fourth inning, the Marlins extended their lead 3-0 when Logan Morrison hit a solo homer (408 feet) to right-field. The rest of the five innings passed without any score for both teams. The main credit goes to the pitchers who delivered
exemplary pitches in perfect line.
Nolasco presented only five hits to the Athletics’ batters and struck-out three. He gave up two walks on his 112 pitches. Speaking to reporters, Nolasco said, “I don't know if it's the cool weather, the thick air, I have no idea. I'm just trying to give
my team a chance to win every time out. I guess it just happens out here for some reason.”
The Athletics’ batters missed scoring opportunities at the bottom of the sixth inning when Cliff Pennington flied out to right-field and Coco Crisp grounded out to short-stop. The Marlins’ batters also failed to mount their lead as Bonifacio doubled to left-centre
but Morrison and Stanton were both struck-out swinging.
The Marlins’ interim manager, Jack McKeon said, “Some of these guys need to find out they can go nine innings. That should be the goal of every pitcher on every club to go nine, and unfortunately we don't let them.”
Crisp was grounded out to second base and Ryan Sweeney got his way to the dugout when he flied out towards centre-field at the bottom of the ninth inning. The Athletics’ starter, Guillermo Moscoso threw superbly but his effort could not snatch a win for
his team. He pitched six dominant innings with an ERA of 2.51 and gave up three runs on four hits with one earned run. Moscoso struck-out eight batters on his 96 pitches.
The Marlins put in a good effort as they managed to restrict the Athletics’ offence for a much needed win.
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