Here We Go Again

Marlins starting pitching and cold bats doom another afternoon at the ball park

Florida extended a club-record streak of 20 consecutive games without a win by a starting pitcher on Thursday, losing in lackluster fashion against the Atlanta Braves, 4-2.

During the inept span, starters are 0-10 and the bullpen has been stretched to its limits.

Jair Jurrjens gave up three hits in seven innings for the Braves, who completed a two-game sweep of the slumping Marlins, who have lost three in a row.

Casey Kotchman homered and hit an RBI double for Atlanta. David Ross had a two-run homer.

Jurrjens (3-2) allowed two runs, both on homers by Hanley Ramirez. The right-hander's ERA rose to 2.01.

Marlins starter Anibal Sanchez (1-4) allowed two homers and four runs in 4 2-3 innings before leaving the game because of discomfort in his pitching shoulder. Sanchez underwent surgery on the shoulder in June 2007 and returned last July.

Copyright AP - Associated Press
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