The Miami Marlins put an end to a five-game skid with their 5-2 win over the St. Louis Cardinals on Sunday at Roger Dean Stadium.
Miami used three runs across the final two innings to help them seal the win. The victory gives Miami a 6-10 record in the Grapefruit League thus far, which is one of the worst records in the league. The Marlins have been a bit of a streaky team so far in March with inconsistencies in both pitching and offense.
Dee Gordon continued to show that he is ready for Opening Night with a 2-4 day which included his third triple. Gordon is hitting .290 this spring and has been seen flying around the bases on a semi-regular basis as of late. Miami's lead-off man is looking to build on a 2015 season that ended in an National League batting title.
As far as Miami's regulars go, Christian Yelich had the best day of all with three hits. Yelich ended up 3-4 with a run scored. As the season nears, Yelich and his fellow lineup mates should be seeing at least three at-bats a day. Yelich is hitting .200 so far, but has been putting better swings on the ball as of late.
Giancarlo Stanton made solid contact on a ball in the win and ended up 1-3. After getting off to a slow start, Stanton's swing appears to be coming into form. The Marlins will only go as far as Stanton goes and they will hope for a full season from the slugger. Stanton missed a good deal of 2015, and the team faded from contention.
David Phelps started the game for Miami and pitched effectively with five strikeouts in three innings. Phelps who could end up in a long-relief role for Miami allowed a run on two hits while walking another. Phelps provides the Marlins with experience in both the rotation and the bullpen which should aid his chances of winning a roster spot.
The Marlins will get on the bus and travel to Port St. Lucie on Monday for a game with the New York Mets.
