The Miami Marlins defeated the Colorado Rockies 5-3 on Sunday to complete a three-game series sweep at Marlins Park. Thankfully, the loss in the W-L column was the biggest one they suffered on the day. For a time, it looked like that might not be the case.
Leading off the top of the fifth inning, All-Star third baseman and MLB RBI leader Nolan Arenado was hit in the left hand with a pitch by Vance Worley. Arenado immediately exited the game. After the game, the team announced that x-rays were negative and the official reason for Arenado’s departure was a left hand contusion.
German Marquez (9-5, 4.13 ERA) suffered his shortest outing since June 26, going just 4.1 innings and allowing five runs on seven hits and a walk. It was the first time in six starts that Marquez did not pitch at least 6.0 innings.
Giancarlo Stanton hit his third home run in as many games against Colorado, a shot down the right field line to lead off the third inning and tie the game. It was Stanton’s 250th career home run.
Pat Valaika was 3-for-4 on the day, but had no runs scored or RBIs to show for it. The Rockies had two on and with no outs in both the fifth and eighth innings but could not push anyone across.
Missed opportunities were the story of the weekend for Colorado, who was 1-for-8 with runners in scoring position on Friday, 2-for 11 on Saturday and 2-for-12 on Sunday.
After being called on Friday, Ryan McMahon registered his first big-league hit – a single in the eighth inning – in his first start.
After a strong showing on Saturday, Colorado’s bullpen again was solid on Sunday with 3.2 innings of one-hit relief from Adam Ottavino (0.2 IP), Antonio Senzatela (2.0 IP) and Carlos Estevez (1.0). Miami’s pen was just as strong, though, combining for 5.0 innings and allowing just two hits.
With the loss, Colorado (65-52) falls below .500 for the first time this season (30-31).
