Washington Nationals defeat Miami Marlins 3-2 in close tenth inning matchup - MLB Update
First baseman Gaby Sanchez's wild throw in the tenth cost the Miami Marlins a 2-3 loss against Washington Nationals on April 21, 2012 at Nationals Park in Washington, D.C.
A game which saw runs as few and far between all of a sudden took an interesting turn when Marlins posted two runs in the ninth, only to block Nationals for the straight nine-inning victory.
As it turned out, game entered the tenth inning and just before both sides were close to experience one more inning to reach the conclusion, Ian Desmond hit a sacrifice fly and took the Nationals to their second victory against the same opposition as a result.
Nationals had the luxury of starter Stephen Strasburg who threw six scoreless innings. For as long as he was on the mound, Marlins struggled finding as many hits.
It was an entry of their relief pitcher Brad Lidge that provided the Marlins a breathing space and thus they were able to score two runs, including a home-run.
Even when the Marlins hit bottom on the National League East Division, optimism abounds for the manager Ozzie Guillen, however misplaced it may be.
While asserting what his side hides in prospect for the season, he believes it is not far when Marlins will be at their best.
"I'll take my chances with this ball club," Guillen said. "We're pitching well. We're going to hit, we're going to do the little things. Things will come around for us. We've been playing good baseball so far. Just keep playing."
Marlins’ starter Anibal Sanchez gives the side a reason to cheer as he struck-out eight in seven innings. While he was hit five times, he gave up just two runs, taking his 2012 season ERA to an impressive 2.79.
One of the biggest worries for the Marlins is their offence, which did not appear to be letting up even as criticism comes from all around.
Managing just six hits in 34 at-bats, game was another reminder of where they stand in terms of their hitting strength.
Only Jose Reyes and Logan Morrison stood up in this regard both managing two hits.
Next games present a huge challenge for the Marlins, in-fact it will be an opportunity to make up for the battering they have received so far in the season. How they come through from there will be interesting to watch.
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