Rookie Balester topples Marlins in debut

 

MIAMI - Collin Balester made his big league debut a successful one on Tuesday night using the Florida Marlins as his victim in Washingtion 9-6 win over Florida in front of 12,166 fans at Dolphin Stadium.

Making his first big league start, Balester pitched five innings allowing just one hit, one earned run, while walking three and striking out three to earn the victory.

The Nationals bullpen contributed four innings of solid relief to close the door on the Marlins and snap their two-game winning streak.

Elijah Dukes paced Washington’s offense going 3-for-5 with three runs scored, a home run and an RBI, while Ronnie Belliard and Paul LoDuca each added two hits a piece.

Florida was led by Hanley Ramirez, who went 2-4 with a run scored, a home run and five RBI. The homer for Hanley was his 20th of the season. Cody Ross added two hits for the Marlins, who dropped 1 1/2 games behind the Phillies for first place in the National League East.

The Marlins will look to win their second consecutive home series as they take on the Nationals in an afternoon game Wednesday at 12:10 p.m. Scheduled pitchers are Ricky Nolasco for the Marlins and Oliver Perez for the Nationals.