Alvarez Makes Successful Return In Marlins' Win
MIAMI (AP)-- Henderson Alvarez made a successful return to the mound after missing two starts, pitching seven strong innings and leading the Miami Marlins to a 2-1 win over the sloppy Arizona Diamondbacks on Saturday.
Alvarez (9-5) allowed one run and five hits. He struck out six after missing time with right shoulder inflammation. He lowered his home ERA to a National League-best 1.46 among qualifiers.
Steve Cishek pitched the ninth for his 31st save in 34 opportunities.
The Diamondbacks made five errors, their most since recording six on July 3, 2010, against the Dodgers.
Wade Miley (7-9) struck out nine in seven innings for Arizona. He allowed two runs - one earned - and four hits.
The Marlins scored the go-ahead run in the seventh inning on the Diamondbacks' fifth error of the game. Shortstop Cliff Pennington's throw home on a grounder went wide of catcherMiguel Montero, allowing Marcell Ozuna to score. Ozuna moved into scoring position after a dropped pick-off attempt by first baseman Mark Trumbo.
Trumbo's sacrifice fly gave the Diamondbacks a 1-0 lead in the first, but Alvarez was able to escape further damage after the first three batters singled.
Ozuna, the center fielder, threw out Ender Inciarte at home plate. Inciarte led off the game with a single to extend his hitting streak to 16 games.
Arizona racked up three errors in the second inning, but the Marlins were unable to take advantage of the miscues.
Jeff Baker hit an RBI triple in the fourth for the Marlins.
Diamondbacks: SS Chris Owings (left shoulder strain) will begin a rehab assignment with the Arizona League Diamondbacks on Sunday. The plan is for him to play for Triple-A Reno on Friday. ... CF A.J. Pollock (right hand surgery) will begin hitting on Monday.
Marlins RHP Tom Koehler (8-9, 3.86) takes the hill in Sunday's series finale against Diamondbacks RHP Josh Collmenter (8-6, 4.09). Koehler has allowed eight runs in nine innings over two starts, both losses, against the Diamondbacks. Collmenter is 0-1 with a 7.71 ERA over his last three starts.
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