Miami Marlins closer Fernando Rodney blew a lead in the ninth to hand the Cleveland Indians a 6-5 win on Sunday.
The Marlins had a two-run advantage going to the bottom of the ninth inning when Rodney took over. Miami had scored the two runs in the top half of the inning. Rodney proceeded to walk the bases loaded before giving up the game-winning hit.
It was the third blown save for Rodney since he came to Miami and his first since becoming the closer. It is possible manager Don Mattingly could hand the closers role back to A.J. Ramos in the near future. Rodney has not been dependable for Miami and is now 2-4 this season.
Prior to the ninth inning meltdown, the Marlins were in position to avoid a three-game sweep. Instead, Miami finds itself under .500 and further back in the Wild Card standings. It would likely take an extended winning streak at this point for the Marlins to jump back into the playoff picture.
Tom Koehler was brilliant with six shutout innings. The right-hander allowed three hits and a pair of walks while striking out six. Koehler was in-line for the win until Kyle Barraclough allowed three runs of his own in the seventh inning.
Miami had a decent game offensively with 11 hits including J.T. Realmuto's ninth home run of the year. The problem for the Marlins once again however was finding a timely hit. Miami was only 2-9 with runners in scoring position and left eight men on base.
Jake Esch will be on the mound when the Marlins begin a series against the Philadelphia Phillies on Monday.
