Marlins Lose Early Lead, Fall To Braves 4-3
MIAMI (AP) — Mark Buehrle has not had many outings like he did Tuesday night.
Buehrle issued a season-high four walks and allowed three runs in five innings for the Miami Marlins in a 4-3 loss to the Atlanta Braves.
"Walking four guys, obviously that's not me," Buehrle said. "I hate walking guys as it is, and a bases-loaded walk to bring in a run that is kind of embarrassing. Just one of those days where I didn't have stuff."
Buehrle allowed three runs — two earned — and five hits in five innings.
"Was it a good performance?," Marlins manager Ozzie Guillen said. "No, I don't think so, but he fought his way through it.
Braves starter Tim Hudson (9-4) struggled early, but he settled down to pitch seven innings including retiring the final 16 hitters.
"Hudson struggled in the beginning, had a tough time throwing the ball over the plate, but as the game went on he got better," Guillen said.
Hudson allowed a two-run home run to Jose Reyes in the second inning which gave the Marlins a 3-1 lead. After the homer, Hudson retired the next 16 straight before he was relieved by Eric O'Flaherty.
"Take away the home run, they really didn't hit the ball too hard," Hudson said.
Hudson allowed five hits and three runs as he threw 54 of 80 pitches for strikes. He improved to 13-4 in 24 starts against the Marlins.
"I threw some sinkers down in the zone and made them hit it on the ground and hopefully (the ball) goes to some of our guys," Hudson said.
Jason Heyward drove in two runs, and Martin Prado and Freddie Freeman both drove in a run for the Braves, who snapped a three-game losing streak.
Heyward broke a 3-all tie in the seventh inning with an RBI single off Wade LeBlanc (1-1) that scored Prado, who tripled to lead off the inning.
"(Heyward) is getting on base and getting big hits when we need them," Braves manager Fredi Gonzalez said. "He's a force at the top of the lineup."
O'Flaherty pitched a scoreless eight and Craig Kimbrel pitched the ninth for his 29th save in 30 chances.
Heyward's sacrifice fly scored the Braves' first run.
Hanley Ramirez tied the game with an RBI single as Justin Ruggiano was thrown out on a close play at home by Michael Bourn to end the inning.
Reyes' two-run homer down the right-field line gave the Marlins a 3-1 lead. It was his sixth of the season. He extended his hitting streak to 12 games with a single in the first.
Buehrle issued a bases-loaded walk to Freeman to pull the Braves within 3-2. Prado's sacrifice fly tied it.
