Solo shots and defensive blunders stifled the Miami Marlins' offense until a ninth-inning surge. The loss pushes the "Fighting Fish" further back in a high-stakes National League Wild Card race.
The Miami Marlins lost 4-2 in Tuesday’s series-opener against the Atlanta Braves.
Despite being within reach for a majority of the game, a couple of deep balls were too big to overcome. The Marlins (58-56) revert to two games above .500 and 2.5 games behind the Arizona Diamondbacks for the final National League Wild Card spot.
After a scoreless first inning, the Braves were the first to punch the scoreboard. Second baseman Ozzie Albies slugged a solo homer to right field on a first-pitch slider. It was the 29-year-old’s 19th of the season. He took the baseball 397 feet deep on a 100.1 exit velocity.
The game was scoreless over the next two innings, but the Marlins had an opportunity to respond. Second baseman Javier Sanoja doubled to left field. He was the first of the clubhouse to reach scoring position.
However, the Marlins failed to capitalize, as first baseman Kyle Stowers lined out to right field to close the fifth inning.
Although the “Fighting Fish” showed no signs of giving up, a fielding mistake hurt every chance of a comeback. Pinch hitter Lane Thomas hit a sinker straight to shortstop Otto Lopez, but an inaccurate throw to Stowers led him to get off the bag and a base hit.
After successfully reaching, third baseman Austin Riley slugged a two-run homer to center field to take a 3-0 lead. It was the two-time All-Star’s 13th of the season. Riley took the baseball 433 feet deep on a 106.7 exit velocity.
In the bottom of the eighth, righty Victor Vodnik made his Marlins debut. He was acquired from the Colorado Rockies ahead of Monday’s trade deadline in exchange for infielder Connor Norby. After right fielder Ronald Acuna Jr. singled, Vodnik walked first baseman Matt Olson (hit by pitch) and center fielder Michael Harris II to load the bases.
A wild pitch led to another run added to the Braves’ lead.
Despite facing a shutout, the Marlins rallied in a final attempt. Lopez doubled, left fielder Herbierto Hernandez walked, and center fielder Jakob Marsee singled to load the bases. Only one out was on the board and third baseman Leo Jimenez drove in two runs. The Marlins appeared to be crawling back, but an Agustin Ramirez flyout and Marsee tagged at third secured the Braves a sixth consecutive victory.
Ryan Gusto, John King, and Vodnik each allowed an earned run. The Marlins’ offense was stagnant until the ninth. An opportunity for redemption presents itself on Wednesday at 7:15 p.m. E.T.
