Offense Picks Up Penny

Brad Penny made his return to the Marlins on Saturday and came away with a win

The Miami Marlins edged the Cincinnati Reds 4-3 on Saturday for a second consecutive victory at Great American Ball Park.

Christian Yelich, Garrett Jones and Adeiny Hechavarria each had two-hit days with Yelich and Jones picking up doubles along the way. Yelich also had two runs batted in including the go-ahead run in the sixth inning.

The Marlins would add anothe run in the sixth when Donovan Solano supplied a run-scoring double. Those runs came at the perfect time for Brad Penny who was done for the day following his five inning outing. Penny was pinch-hit for during that sixth frame.

Penny made his first start as a Marlin in over a decade and his first start in the big leagues since 2011. The veteran struggled with his command and wiggled out of jams several times. With a little luck and timely offense included, Penny was able to come away with a win which was the 120th of his career.

Penny walked four and surrendered four hits in his five innings. A lot of the right-hander's pitches sailed high in the zone and were hittable. Only two runs (one earned) crossed the plate while Penny was on the mound but it easily could've been several more.

After the short start, A.J. Ramos gave manager Mike Redmond two electrifying innings. Ramos struck out three in the hitless frames. Bryan Morris allowed a rare run in his inning of work but maintained the lead for his 13th hold of the season.

In the ninth, closer Steve Cishek entered for the third consecutive day. The previous two outings for Cishek featured struggles and high pitch counts. In this one, things started off shaky with a lead-off hit.

The closer would erase that baserunner promptly though on a pick-off and then quickly retire the next two batters as well for his 29th save of the season.

The Marlins can complete a sweep on Sunday when they send Brad Hand to the mound.

Contact Us