The Miami Marlins could not find enough timely hits in their 5-3 loss to the St. Louis Cardinals on Thursday.
Miami was 2-11 with runners in scoring position, and this is a part of the game that has haunted the team for years. The Marlins have changed players and hitting coaches in past seasons, but clutch hitting has remained a difficult
Dan Straily started for Miami, and gave up far too many hits. The veteran allowed six knocks in his four innings. The Cardinals were able to post three runs on the board against Straily as well. The right-hander owns a 6.17 E.R.A this spring, after coming over in an off-season trade.
Edinson Volquez was the next pitcher to take the mound for the Marlins, fresh off his work in the World Baseball Classic. Volquez may be Miami's Opening Day starter, but he struggled a little with his command in this one. The right-hander allowed two runs on three hits in three innings of work. Volquez walked a pair, but also did strike out two hitters.
Brandon Barnes (4) and Dee Gordon (4) each brought home a run during the loss. With Giancarlo Stanton and Christian Yelich headed back to Roger Dean Stadium, Barnes could see less opportunities. Miami is likely to trot out the regular lineup often in the final week of the spring.
The Marlins will stay in Jupiter on Friday, and they will host the Washington Nationals at 1:05 p.m. The Nationals and Marlins will play once more in the Grapefruit League after this contest. The two clubs are also set to oppose one another on Opening Day in Washington, D.C.
