The Miami Marlins were almost no-hit by Shelby Miller while being beat by the Atlanta Braves by a final score of 6-0 on Sunday.
Justin Bour singled up the middle with two outs in the ninth to end the no-no bid. The ball was hit hard and was followed by a single off the bat of Dee Gordon. The game would soon end on an easy pop-out by Martin Prado. Miller was vying for the first no-hitter in MLB this season.
Besides almost being no-hit, the Marlins free-fall also continued with the loss. The Marlins have lost six of their last seven games and are now six games under .500. The rough stretch of games has dropped Miami in the standings. The Braves have been a big reason for the Marlins poor overall record as Miami is only 2-7 against them.
Perhaps the best chance for Miami to enter the hit column prior to the ninth came in the seventh inning when Giancarlo Stanton lined out to left field. The ball was hit hard but Todd Cunningham was able to reach up and grab it for the out. Miller made quick work of Miami for the other 25 outs before the aforementioned Bour knock.
Henderson Alvarez was activated from the disabled list for the start and showed signs of rust. Alvarez who began the season as Miami's ace allowed six runs in his 5.1 innings. Five of those runs came in the second inning which brought back memories of Saturday's loss.
Brad Hand took over after Alvarez exited and did a good job of saving the other arms in the pen. Hand has struggled at times this season but has had several impressive outings as well.
The Marlins will turn the page and take on the Arizona Diamondbacks on Monday when they send Dan Haren to the mound.
