Guerra Gets Molina To Escape Jam, Marlins Hold Off Cards 2-1
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MIAMI (CBSMiami/AP) — The struggling Miami Marlins bullpen got a reprieve from an unexpected source.
Javy Guerra cleaned up a ninth-inning mess created by struggling closer Kyle Barraclough, getting Yadier Molina to hit into a double play to end the Marlins' 2-1 victory over the St. Louis Cardinals on Monday night.
After Wei-Yin Chen pitched 5 2/3 innings of one-hit ball, Miami led 2-0 going into the ninth and handed the game off to Barraclough.
Paul DeJong and Harrison Bader opened the inning with hard-hit singles, then Yairo Munoz walked. Pinch-hitter Kolten Wong struck out swinging, but Matt Carpenter drew a bases-loaded walk to make it 2-1 and end Barraclough's night.
Guerra got Molina to bounce into a double play for his first save since Sept. 27, 2014 while with the Chicago White Sox.
Barraclough had blown his last three save chances, allowing 10 runs in 2 1/3 innings.
Starlin Castro had two hits, including his ninth home run for the Marlins, who returned home after a six-game winless road trip.
Former Miami All-Star Marcell Ozuna returned for his first game at Marlins Park after being traded to St. Louis in the offseason and went 3 for 4.
Luke Weaver (6-10) allowed two runs and seven hits in six innings for St. Louis.
Chen (4-8) struck out four and walked two.
Derek Dietrich doubled to begin the game for the Marlins and scored on a hit by Brian Anderson. Castro's home run to left in the fourth gave Miami a 2-0 lead.
With one on and one out in the seventh, Munoz grinded out a 14-pitch at-bat, but Tayron Guerrero prevailed with a groundout. Pinch-hitter Greg Garcia struck out to end the inning.
Ozuna beat out an infield hit in the eighth, giving Jedd Gyorko an at-bat with runners on first and second with two outs. Drew Steckenrider was able to get out of the jam as Gyorko flew out to deep center.
OZUNA TRIBUTE
Ozuna was given a video tribute during the game, and he tipped his cap to acknowledge the appreciation.
Before the game, Ozuna said it was "emotional" to be back.
"I've seen everyone," Ozuna said. "They say they miss me and I miss them, too, but it's a business."
TRAINER'S ROOM
Cardinals: OF Tyler O'Neill (groin) was placed on the 10-day disabled list retroactive to Aug. 4. ... RHP Adam Wainwright (elbow) is planning on throwing a bullpen session either Tuesday or Wednesday.
Marlins: RHP Sandy Alcantara (armpit) was reinstated from the 10-day disabled list and optioned to Triple-A New Orleans.
UP NEXT
Cardinals: RHP Miles Mikolas (11-3, 2.75 ERA) is scheduled to start the second game of the series Tuesday night. Mikolas has allowed three runs or fewer in eight consecutive starts.
Marlins: RHP Pablo Lopez (2-2, 4.67) allowed one run in six innings his last start, a no-decision at Philadelphia.
(© Copyright 2018 CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved. The Associated Press contributed to this report.)
