The Miami Marlins have now won six games in a row after their 3-0 defeat of the Washington Nationals on Tuesday.
The win also put the Marlins at 53-53 on the year, returning them to the .500 mark after a disappointing end to the first half.
Henderson Alvarez started slow and had a pitch count that exceeded 40 after only two innings. The ace was even checked by the Marlins' trainer at one point to see if he was under the weather. The concern rose from the three walks that Alvarez allowed in the two innings.
After those two frames, Alvarez delivered five strong dominant innings. All told, the right-hander allowed no runs on three hits in his seven innings of work. Alvarez would only walk one more batter after the initial command issues. The win improved Alvarez to 8-5 on the season with a 2.48 E.R.A
Bryan Morris worked the eighth inning and found himself in trouble with two runners on. With two outs, manager Mike Redmond turned to Mike Dunn. The left-hader quickly picked up the third out of the inning with a pop-out.
Steve Cishek who is fresh off being named co-NL Player of the Week picked up his 27th save of the season with a scoreless ninth inning. Cishek loaded the bases but was able to pick up the third out before a run scored.
The first run for the Marlins came in the sixth inning on a run-scoring double by Giancarlo Stanton. The slugger has been slumping as of late but delivered in a big way to bring home Jordany Valdespin.
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In the eighth, Christian Yelich doubled home Reed Johnson to give the Marlins an important insurance run. It was the 14th double of the season for Yelich. Stanton would single home another run in the inning as well.
The Marlins will take on the Nationals in an afternoon tilt on Wednesday as they look to continue their winning streak. Brad Hand will make the start for Miami.
