Marlins Make it Four Straight in Nail Biter in San Diego
May 5, 2012 in Regular Season, The Latest
It has literally been by the skin of their teeth that the Marlins are on a 4 game winning streak and sometimes, that’s the way the game works. Previously they couldn’t find a win, let alone a hole to shoot a ball through for a hit. Their 6 game losing streak was snapped with some heroics back in Miami and now it seems they are unstoppable away from the new digs and the Longball Lagoon.
With a 5-0 lead and Josh Johnson on the mound, it was looking like an easier win for the Fish as they stretched out their legs on this road trip while hoping to give the bullpen a rest. At the end of this 12 inning marathon, the Marlins had tossed away two leads and used up 6 relievers to get their fourth straight. Truly a Pyrrhic victory.
What emerges are some concerns – is Josh Johnson truly healthy? His command is very much off as he left pitches over the plate and watched his 5-0 lead evaporate in just 2.2 innings when he was pulled from the game.
“You’re up, 5-0, and JJ is on the mound, you feel good about yourself,” Guillen said. “I just wonder if he’s not feeling good. He says he feels good, but command is not there. A lot of bad pitches. With two strikes, keeping the ball up. Right now, what’s killing him is he doesn’t have any command of his pitches.”
Then there is Heath Bell. His season seems to be very bumpy and there are questions circulating about whether or not he will keep the closer role through the weekend, let alone for the rest of the season. His problems also can be attributed to location as he has walked 10 batters already versus only 6 strikeouts. Hitters are hitting .308 from the left side and over .400 from the right side.
But it was Omar Infante who, again, comes up with a big hit to give the Marlins back the lead in the 12th inning which was the eventual game winner. Steve Cishek, also, has emerged as a possible candidate to replace Bell if his struggles continue. Getting the 9-8 win, the Marlins were able to get their 4th straight win, but more questions loom on the horizon about two of their big arms.
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