Citrus Series Starts With Loss

The Marlins took a trip North to Tampa to take on the Rays on Friday and started the series with a 7-3 loss. The start of the annual Citrus Series was the first of 6 games over the next few weeks between the two Florida teams. With the loss, the Marlins fell back to 4 games behind the first place Philadelphia Phillies.

Ryan Tucker made the start for the fish and lasted 5 innings. The rookie allowed 4 earned runs in the first two innings and then settled in to shut down the Rays in the 3rd and 4th frames before giving up a 5th run in his 5th and last inning of work. Burke Badenhop came out of the bullpen first and tossed 2.1 innings in which he allowed 2 earned runs. The Hopper walked 3 in his time on the mound. Joe Nelson followed with a scoreless two thirds of an inning.

The Marlins continued to struggle offensively as only one batter had a multi hit game.   Jeremy Hermida was that player as he collected 2 hits and 1 run batted in.   The other R.B.I’s were credited to Mike Jacobs and Alfredo Amezaga.

On Saturday, the series will continue as Mark Hendrickson takes on Matt Garza.