Notes from Game 35

May 14, 2010

Heading into the four-game series between the Florida Marlins and New York Mets, everyone knew the first game would be one worth watching as aces Josh Johnson and Johan Santana stepped onto the mound. With the Mets in third and Marlins in fourth, the series clearly holds implications on the N.L. East division. Expectations of a stellar pitching duel were met with solid performances by each starter. Here were our game notes directly from the ballpark Thursday night:

• Chris Coghlan set the tone for a great defensive game on both sides with a diving catch to take out the first Mets batter of the game. Both teams made impressive fielding plays throughout the night, which contributed to the low scoring night. 

• Josh Johnson got ahead of the opening lineup early with first pitch strikes to the first two batters, but fell behind 3-0 to the third batter before getting a ground out.

• Jason Bay got the first hit against Johnson, one of only three on the night. Cody Ross got the first hit against Santana, one of six on the night. Both hits came in the second inning.

• Johnson ended the night with seven strikeouts, three hits, one earned run and no walks in seven innings of work. Santana finished his day with five strikeouts, six hits, one earned run and one walk. The aces definitely performed up to par.

• Johnson may have not left with a victory, but outperformed Santana with six hit-less innings in his seven innings pitched. 

• Gaby Sanchez went 3-for-3 on the night, but was replaced in the eighth inning on a double switch after Wes Helms came up to pinch hit in the seventh. Jorge Cantu moved over to first base, but was 0-for-3 on the night. Interesting decision by manager Freddi Gonzalez. 

• Dan Uggla did not start, but came up to bat in the bottom of the ninth inning as Leo Nunez' pinch hitter. Just his mere presence resulted in a first pitch wild throw that led to Cody Ross scoring the winning run. Amazing sequence of events for a player that could have been napping like Ken Griffey Jr. in the dugout the entire game.

Work to be Done

The Marlins may have won the first game of the four-game set, but are not in the clear just yet. They have not done too well this season when winning the first game of a series. However, the nature of last night's victory (i.e., the dramatic finish) could boost Florida's confidence and suppress New York's morale.The probable starters for the remainder of the series are as follows:

• Friday, May 14: Oliver Perez, LHP (0-2, 4.50) vs. Anibal Sanchez, RHP (1-2, 4.08)
• Saturday, May 15: John Maine, RHP (1-2, 5.45) vs. Nate Robertson, LHP (3-3, 4.54)
• Sunday, May 16: Jon Niese, LHP (1-1, 4.58) vs. Ricky Nolasco, RHP (3-2, 3.66)

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More notes from Marlins home games will be taken as we head to the ball park throughout the season and take note of the intricate details of each game. Stay tuned for more in-depth coverage of the Marlins.