Marlins win in walk-off fashion

MIAMI - Jorge Cantu hit a game-winning, walk-off single in the bottom of the ninth inning as the Florida Marlins completed a two-run rally to defeat the visiting Arizona Diamondbacks 4-3 in front of 11,327 fans on Sunday afternoon at Dolphin Stadium.

Cantu’s single scored Jeremy Hermida, who had doubled and advanced to third on a wild pitch. Hermida’s double followed a game-tying home run by Hanley Ramirez off Diamondbacks closer Brandon Lyon.

Joe Nelson (1-0) gave up one hit in the ninth inning to earn his first win of the season. Scott Olsen pitched seven strong innings allowing three runs (all earned) and striking out four before giving way to Reynel Pinto to open the eighth inning.

It appeared that the Diamondbacks would cruise to victory as starter Dan Haren was pitching lights out. Haren finished with seven innings pitched, allowing one hit, one unearned run, walking two and striking out seven.

Ramirez’s home run was his 18th of the season and the victory move the Marlins one game behind first-place Philadelphia at the midway point of the season.

The Marlins return to action as they play host to the Washington Nationals on Monday night at 7:10 p.m. when Ryan Tucker toes the rubber for Florida and he will be countered by TIm Redding