Marlins Lose Two to Fractures While Dropping Series

The Miami Marlins saw the start of their season go from bad to worse as they fell to the Tampa Bay Rays 8-5 on Sunday.

Besides the loss, the Marlins also had two players suffer fractured fingers. Don Kelly was hit awkwardly by a grounder while Jeff Mathis fell victim to a foul tip. Both players will be placed on the 15-day disabled list with corresponding moves pending.

The defeat was Miami's fifth in only six tries this season. The Marlins lost both of their series on the homestand after opening the year full of optimism and excitement. The losses also came against two teams that are not expected to compete this year.

Henderson Alvarez was not at his best and appeared to be struggling with his command early on. The Opening Day starter allowed four runs on seven hits in only five innings of work. The loss drops Alvarez to 0-2 on the year to go along with a 4.50 E.R.A.

Brad Hand worked the next three innings and allowed the game to get away from him. Hand gave up three runs on six hits which was a far cry for his excellent work in the second game of the year.

Jarrod Saltalamacchia who entered after Mathis' injury hit a solo home run in the ninth inning. The blast was the first for a Miami player in 2015. Giancarlo Stanton's season-long slump continued with an 0-4 day. The slugger is batting a paltry .158 this year.

Dee Gordon had a fine week and tripled for the first time this year in the loss. Gordon has his average at .346 and also singled and doubled in the game. Mike Morse had an extra-base hit for the Marlins as well with his first double of the season.