After winning the first game of the four game series, the Marlins dropped their third consecutive game to the Padres on Sunday. A late offensive rally fell just short, and Henderson Alvarez struggled to consistently find the plate.
Coming off of an 8-1 homestand, the Miami Marlins were confident they could have success on the road. After winning the first game of a four game series against the San Diego Padres, the Marlins fell for the third consecutive time on Sunday evening.
Henderson Alvarez struggles early
While he has pitched several shutouts early this season, starter Henderson Alvarez has yet to prove that he is a consistent number three option. Facing a Padres lineup that has had difficulty scoring runs on a nightly basis, Alvarez only lasted four innings.
Will Venable took Alvarez deep in the first inning to give the Padres an early 1-0 advantage, and a four run bottom of the fourth inning, during which Alexi Amarista, Chris Denorfia, and Seth Smith all contributed RBI hits, ended Alvarez's day.
In his four innings of work, Alvarez gave up seven hits while walking three and striking out a pair. His sinker wasn't working as well as it usually does, and after Jose Fernandez and Nathan Eovaldi were troubled by the San Diego lineup, Alvarez had a hard time throwing strikes himself.
Marlins offense rallies late
Padres starter Robbie Erlin was able to keep the Marlins off the board in his sixth and a third innings, and Miami fell just short after scoring four times in the top of the eighth.
Christian Yelich homered against Dale Thayer, and Jeff Baker's two-run triple and Adeiny Hechavarria's RBI groundout made it a one run game.
Jarrod Saltalamacchia struck out with the tying run on third, and Houston Street walked two but was able to close the game in the ninth.
Miami's offense, notably the effectiveness of Giancarlo Stanton and Casey McGehee, was solid on the last homestand, but the Marlins couldn't get ahead early against the Padres.
Bullpen solid in relief
In relief of Alvarez, the bullpen was able to ensure that the Padres couldn't add any insurance.
Kevin Slowey pitched a pair of scoreless innings, and the recently recalled Henry Rodriguez and A.J. Ramos each added a scoreless inning.
The Marlins begin a three game series with the Dodgers beginning on Monday night.