Miami

Marlins Take Series Opener in Cincy

The Marlins ended a two-game losing streak with a win over the Reds on Friday

The Miami Marlins snapped a two-game losing streak with a 2-1 win over the Cincinnati Reds on Friday.

Nathan Eovaldi dominated the Reds with eight scoreless innings in which he struck out six of the hitters he faced. Eovaldi was strong all the way to the end throwing in the high 90's and striking out two in his final frame.

It took 112 pitches to get through the eight innings and Eovaldi looked strong enough to go another. With his spot due up in the ninth and the high pitch count, manager Mike Redmond elected to turn to the bullpen.

Eovaldi ended up allowing five hits and a walk in the strong effort. The right-hander is now 6-6 on the season and has a 3.99 E.R.A.

In the ninth, Steve Cishek ran into quick trouble. The Reds plated one run before Cishek recorded an out. The closer picked up an out on a sacrifice bunt which was followed by a sparkling play by Adeiny Hechavarria. The shortstop stopped a ball with the infield in and held the tying run at third.

Cishek walked the next batter to put runners on the corners with two outs. The usually reliable closer had problems with his command as eight of his 20 pitches were balls. Cishek finished the game out for his 28th save of the season by striking out the final batter of the game.

Giancarlo Stanton hit his 28th home run of the year in the seventh inning, it was the second straight game in which the slugger hit a blast. The home run was a no-doubter off the bat and gave Eovaldi and the Marlins an important insurance run.

The earlier run for Miami came in the sixth inning on a sacrifice fly by Jarrod Saltalamacchia. Casey McGehee returned to the lineup after a rare off-day and had two doubles to give him 24 on the season.

The Marlins will look for a second win in a row on Saturday. As of yet, there is no listed starter for Miami but it is widely expected that veteran Brad Penny will make the start.

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