=== Florida Marlins Team Report - July 18 === (My Sportsbook) - The Florida Marlins try to avoid a three-game sweep at the hands of the Pittsburgh Pirates today when the teams play the finale at PNC Park. The Marlins are still seeking their first victory of the second half. Florida has lost two straight and has also dropped three games behind Philadelphia for first place in the National League East. Pittsburgh rallied for a win in Saturday's contest. Tike Redman tied the game with a single and later scored the go-ahead run as the Pirates collected three eighth-inning runs on the way to a 4-2, come-from-behind win. Florida closer Armando Benitez (2-1) was dealt the loss after yielding two runs over two-thirds of an inning in relief of starter Carl Pavano. Pavano exited with a 2-1 lead after 7 1/3 strong innings, but wound up with a no decision. He was charged with two runs on eight hits and is now winless in three straight starts. Miguel Cabrera drove in both Florida runs, but made a costly error in the eighth inning that led to the setback. Brad Penny will try to win his second straight start, as he takes the ball for the Marlins this afternoon. Penny picked up a win last Saturday against the Mets after allowing two runs and seven hits in six innings. He struck out five batters and walked two. The 26-year-old righthander is 1-2 with a 5.08 ERA in six career starts against the Pirates. The Pirates won two of three meetings July 5-7 at Pro Player Stadium. Pittsburgh is 6-2 at home versus the Marlins since the start of the 2002 season. |
