Vazquez, Marlins Shut Down Rays 5-3

May 21, 2011

A: Florida Marlins

Attendance: 21,814

W: Javier Vazquez (3-4) 6.41 ERA

L: David Price (5-4) 3.89 ERA

S: Leo Nunez (17) 2.66 ERA

Summary:

The Marlins recently learned that their ace Josh Johnson is hurt and had to be put on the disabled list. Javier Vazquez was given the ball with some pressure on him to win. He delivered with a great performance against the Rays. Tampa Bay had only one chance against the Marlins’ righty–a second inning bases loaded situation with two out. David Price came up and grounded out.

The Marlins put some runs up against David Price, who had his second straight poor outing. Logan Morrison doubled home two in the first inning. Hanley Ramirez hit a solo homer in the sixth and Omar Infante added a two run shot in the seventh.

If anyone had any doubt that Joe Maddon would enjoy managing in the National League, they were quelled in the eighth inning. Maddon used five pinch hitters against four Marlin pitchers. One of those pinch-hitters-Kelly Shoppach-walked with the bases loaded. Another pinch-hitter-Johnny Damon-hit a two run single to make it 5-3. John Jaso struck out to end the inning and Leo Nunez closed out the Rays in the ninth for the Marlins second consecutive 5-3 win over the Rays.

Tomorrow, the Rays send James Shields to the hill. They catch a break as Josh Johnson was originally slated to start for the Marlins, but will instead face Jay Buente, making his season debut.

Player of the Game: Javier Vazquez–7 IP, 3 Hits, 7 strikeouts.