Amazing end to Marlins homestand

 

Miami - Starting in his first game since June 17, Alfredo Amezega made it a day to remember as he hit a go-ahead two-run home run in the bottom of the seventh inning following a 96-minute rain delay to lead the host Marlins to a 4-2 win over the visiting Nationals in front of 23,624 at Dolphin Stadium on Wednesay afternoon.

Ricky Nolasco, who won his fourth consecutive start, pitched seven innings allowing three hits, two earned runs, while walking none and striking out eight to improve to 9-4 on the season. Reynel Pinto pitched the eighth inning allowing only a walk and Kevin Gregg picked up his 15th save of the season as he pitched a perfect ninth inning, striking out one.

The Marlins trailed 2-1 in the bottom of the seventh inning, when the game was delayed by rain. Prior to the delay, Florida was having a tough time mustering much off Washington starter Odalis Perez. But following the delay and pitching change, Amezega made the most of it, hitting his second home run of the season and giving the Marlins the lead.

Florida would add to the lead in the eighth inning on a sacrifice fly by Wes Helms to secure the win and improve to 10-2 against Washington on the season. Robert Andino got the Marlins on the board in the sixth inning with an RBI single to center that scored Hanely Ramirez.

The Marlins finish the nine-game homestand 4-5 and now head out for an 11-game roadtrip that take them to Colorado, San Diego and Los Angeles before the All-Star game on July 15.

With the win, Florida remains 1 1/2 games back of Philadelphia for first place in the NL East following the Phillies win over Atlanta on Wednesday night.

Florida opens their roadtrip on Thursday night as Andrew Miller takes the mound against Colorado’s Mark Redman, who was replacing injured Jeff Francis, in the 8:05 first pitch.