The Marlins' offense struggled for the first time in a 4-2 loss to the Padres on Sunday afternoon. Nathan Eovaldi gave up three runs in seven innings of work.
For the first time on Sunday afternoon, the Miami Marlins' offense struggled in a 4-2 loss to the San Diego Padres. Ian Kennedy pitched well for the Padres, and Eovaldi gave up a late home run which cost him and the Marlins a win.
Nathan Eovaldi has command early
Last season, the Miami Marlins' pitching staff learned to pitch with little run support. Eovaldi was given just a run on Sunday, and after Alexi Amarista's pinch-hit three run home run in the seventh inning, the Marlins lost the lead.
Eovaldi's fastball hit 97-98 mph consistently early on, and he seemed to be mixing up his pitches well, recording a handful of outs with his changeup. The pitch Amarista hit out was a slider on the inside part (and it was a ball), and he made contact quickly.
Over his seven innings, Eovaldi struck out eight while giving up just the three runs. On paper, it is a quality start, however the lack of run support cost Miami a win.
Miami's offense goes silent
Nearly every player in the lineup contributed in some way offensively on the opening homestand during which the Marlins went 5-2. Kennedy ensured that wouldn't be the case as the Marlins sought their first sweep of the season.
Aside from an RBI-single off the bat of Giancarlo Stanton that followed a Christian Yelich triple in the fourth, the Marlins had a difficult time scoring against Kennedy. In six innings, Kennedy struck out five Marlins.
Jeff Baker added an RBI-double in the seventh to make it a 3-2 game, but Huston Street retired the Marlins in order in the ninth and prevented a late rally.
Adeiny Hechavarria sprayed line drives all over the field, none of which dropped for a hit. Casey McGehee and Garrett Jones both went hitless after quick starts.
Marmol solid, defense makes a pair of errors
Dan Jennings gave up a run in relief of Eovaldi, but Carlos Marmol pitched a scoreless top of the ninth inning.
Derek Dietrich misplayed a ground ball in the second inning, and Jarrod Saltalamacchia threw a ball into center field trying to throw out a runner which eventually led to a Padres run.
The Marlins have Monday off before playing in Washington and Philadelphia, respectively.