Fish Drop Second Half Opener

The second half of the season got underway on Friday with a loss to the Philadelphia Phillies by the score of 4-2.   The Marlins’ nemesis, Jamie Moyer once again came away victorious moving him to 10-0 in ten career starts vs the fish.   Ricky Nolasco started for the Marlins but couldn’t pitch well enough to hold the Phillies at bay and was charged with the loss.

Dan Uggla returned to game action for the first time since a disastrous All Star Game on Tuesday and went 0-4 including a rally ending double play in the fourth inning when the Marlins had loaded the bases with no outs.    Uggla did not commit any errors in the field and was tested early in the game when the first two plays of the game involved him.   This game does not prove any carryover effect from the All Star Game however as Uggla now has two hits in 25 at bats during his career vs Moyer.

Nolasco who served as the Marlins ace during the first first half of the season earned this second half opening assignment.   Things did not go as planned as the righty allowed four earned runs in seven innings of work.   Nolasco struck out five and walked only one while allowing seven hits.   The Phillies offense was shut down after the fourth inning by Nolasco and the Marlins’ bullpen but it was too late.

The pivotal series continues on Saturday as the Phillies send Kyle Kendrick to the mound.   Scott Olsen will get the ball for the Marlins.