Nicolino Sparkles In Debut As Marlins Beat Reds 5-0
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CINCINNATI (AP) – Justin Nicolino's major league debut was a smashing success.
Nicolino pitched seven innings of four-hit ball, Derek Dietrich homered twice and the Miami Marlins snapped a three-game losing streak with a 5-0 victory over the Cincinnati Reds on Saturday night
Nicolino became the first pitcher in franchise history to throw seven shutout innings in his major league debut, according to manager Dan Jennings.
"There've been some great arms come through this organization," Jennings said. "For a guy making his major league debut in this ballpark, his composure and presence were tremendous."
Nicolino, 23, walked two and struck out two while outpitching Anthony DeSclafani, his former roommate in the Miami organization.
"It's one of those things that's indescribable," Nicolino said. "I just wanted to go out and give us a chance to win. It's one of those games where you just take everything in and enjoy it."
Nicolino was recalled from Triple-A New Orleans to start in place of right-hander Tom Koehler, who was scratched with back and neck soreness.
The Reds got just one runner past second base against Nicolino and relievers Carter Capps and A.J. Ramos while being shut out for the fifth time this season.
"That's crazy," DeSclafani said of his former teammate in the Toronto and Miami systems. "I'm happy for him. I know how hard he's worked."
The Marlins went hitless through the first three innings for the fourth consecutive game before Dietrich launched his second homer of the season 439 feet into the seats in right. The homer snapped an 0-for-8 slump by Dietrich.
Miami added two more runs in the inning. Justin Bour had a run-scoring groundout before J.T. Realmuto lined an RBI double over Marlon Byrd's head in left field.
DeSclafani (5-5) needed 33 pitches to get through the fourth after throwing a total of 37 while facing 10 batters through the first three. He lasted five innings, allowing three runs and four hits with three walks and three strikeouts. He also hit a batter.
Dietrich added a two-run homer off Manny Parra in the seventh for his first career multihomer game. Parra had retired 21 consecutive batters since coming off the disabled list on May 25 before being greeted by Dee Gordon's double and Dietrich's 342-foot line drive down the right-field line.
"Dietrich gave us the power," Jennings said. "It was huge to hit the ball the way he did. He got the head out and made the most of it."
STAT!
Reds C Devin Mesoraco is scheduled to have surgery on June 29 in New York City to repair his left hip impingement. Mesoraco, a 2014 All-Star, hasn't caught since April 12 and has been on the disabled list since May 25. He is expected to be ready for spring training.
SPINNING TURNSTILES
The Reds' Saturday crowd of 36,755 pushed the team's total to 1,005,710 in the 33rd home date, the fastest the franchise has reached seven figures in the 13-year history of Great American Ball Park.
TRAINER'S ROOM
Marlins: RHP Bryan Morris, on the DL with a lower back strain, is expected to pitch a couple of innings Sunday for Single-A Jupiter on a rehab assignment, Jennings said.
Reds: RHP Raisel Iglesias (strained left oblique) and LHP Tony Cingrani (strained left shoulder), both on the DL, could be back before the All-Star break, manager Bryan Price said.
UP NEXT
Marlins: RHP David Phelps (4-3) hopes to extend his hot streak when he starts the finale of the three-game series on Sunday. Phelps is 2-0 with a 1.20 ERA in his last two starts, both at home against Colorado and the Yankees.
Reds: Rookie RHP Michael Lorenzen (2-2) will try to win consecutive starts for the first time. The appearance will be his first against the Marlins.
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