Marlins Take Exhibition Opener Over FIU

The Miami Marlins played their first game of 2015 on Monday and they came away winners when they beat Florida International University 7-2.

The game featured mostly players that will likely not be on Miami's roster in 2015. A few could end up on the bench for the Marlins on Opening Day, but will need to win spots in competitions over the next month.

On the pitching side of things, Miami sent out nine different arms for an inning each. The winning pitcher was Brad Hand as he started the game for the Marlins. Hand, who went one scoreless frame, has a chance to crack the roster for the Marlins due to a lack of minor-league options. Should the lefty not make the team, the Marlins would need to either trade him or expose him to waivers.

The next two pitchers to see time in this one were Vin Mazzaro and Pat Misch. Both are in camp as non-roster invitees. Barring injuries, neither pitcher is expected to make the team. It is possible that both will accept assignments to the minor-league level however and serve as depth this season. Each contributed a scoreless inning on Monday.

Prospect Justin Nicolino was up next and he had the toughest inning as far as Miami's pitchers go. Nicolino served up a two-run home run to Josh Anderson. Nicolino who will most likely start the year in AAA also struck out two in the inning.

Kendry Flores, Brian Ellington, Ryan Chaffee, Pat Urckfitz, and Ryan Reid rounded out the pitching side for Miami. Flores is on the 40-man roster while the other four are in camp as non-roster invitees. All five arms will likely be early cuts this month.

The Marlins scored early and then quieted down with six of their seven runs coming in the first three innings. Don Kelly and Reid Brignac each doubled and had two runs batted in. The two players are battling for the same roster spot on the team and both may end up in AAA before Opening Day.