Marlins Hope To Provide Haren With Run Support Vs. Giants
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MIAMI (CBSMiami/AP) – The Miami Marlins are hoping to build off Tuesday's win, but could face a bump in the road on Wednesday.
While the San Francisco Giants have had little trouble scoring runs on the road for Chris Heston, the Marlins haven't done anything at the plate to support Dan Haren of late.
As Heston tries to record a fourth consecutive road victory while pitching for the first time in his home state, Haren looks to avoid his fourth straight losing decision Wednesday night.
Despite a 4.43 ERA, Heston (8-5, 3.73 ERA) is 5-1 in seven road starts and has received an average 8.65 runs of support - second highest in the majors. San Francisco (42-36) has scored at least five runs with the rookie right-hander on the mound while winning his last five away from home.
"When I'm out there, they're swinging the bats really well for me," he told MLB's official website.
The Giants took that offensive success behind Heston home with them Thursday when he allowed two runs in seven innings of a 13-8 victory over San Diego.
This will be the first appearance versus Miami (32-46) for Heston, who hails some 170 miles up the coast in Palm Bay. Prior to the start of this series, Heston received the keys to that city in honor of his no-hitter against the New York Mets on June 9.
The Marlins failed to provide Haren (6-5, 3.38) with a single run in his last three outings, going 1 for 21 with runners in scoring position while being outscored 14-2.
"It's hard, especially at my age, at this stage of my career, it's hard to deal with," said Haren, who turns 35 in September. "I feel for the other 24 guys in here."
For the third time in 15 starts, the right-hander yielded more than four runs Thursday with four over six-plus innings of a 5-1 home defeat to St. Louis.
"Definitely have to execute better," he said.
The Marlins gave Haren plenty of support May 7 when he allowed two runs in seven innings of a 7-2 win at San Francisco. In the last three seasons, Haren is 1-0 with a 1.80 ERA in three starts against the Giants.
Dee Gordon, a roommate of Heston at the former Seminole Community College, hit a three-run inside-the-park homer as Miami scored more than three runs for the first time in eight games to win 5-3 on Tuesday. It was the first homer of the season for Gordon, whose .351 average ranks among the major league leaders and is 6 for 14 with four RBIs in three games versus San Francisco this season.
Gordon joked he might need to improve his power numbers to help fill the void left by injured slugger Giancarlo Stanton.
"I've got to pick up the power with him gone," the lanky Gordon said. "We're like the same size."
Despite the victory, Miami went 1 for 10 with runners in scoring position, and is 3 for 48 on a 2-5 homestand.
With a home run Tuesday, San Francisco's Buster Posey is 11 for 24 with two home runs, four doubles and 13 RBIs in his last six contests. He's 2 for 9 with a homer versus Haren.
Angel Pagan is 6 for 11 with a double, triple and home run against Haren.
Dealing with injuries to veterans Hunter Pence and Tim Lincecum, the Giants finished 12-14 in June after going 21-9 in May.
"I'm not happy with it, but we're trying to hold ground here," manager Bruce Bochy said.
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