OAKLAND, Calif. — For the second consecutive game, Miami Marlins pitchers dominated against the Oakland Athletics — although the probably game got a little too close for comfort in the ninth inning.
And for the first time in almost a month, the Marlins offense managed to put more than four runs on the scoreboard.
All together, it resulted in Miami’s 5-3 win over the Oakland Athletics on Tuesday at RingCentral Coliseum to clinch the series. The Marlins (54-69) opened the series with a 3-0 win on Monday. The series finale is at 3:37 p.m. Wednesday.
It also marked the first time since July 28 — and just the fourth time overall since the All-Star Break — that the Marlins scored at least five runs in a game. Their 23-game stretch of scoring four runs or fewer was three games shy of the MLB record of 26, last done in 1969 by the California Angels.
Brian Anderson opened scoring with a solo home run in the fourth inning before the Marlins opened the game with a four-run sixth inning on a Jesus Aguilar RBI infield single, Jerar Encarnacion two-run double and Jacob Stallings RBI single.
Encarnacion and Stallings both had multiple hits. Anderson also reached base twice.
It all backed another strong outing by Miami’s pitching staff.
Pablo Lopez led the way with six scoreless frames, working around four hits and a pair of walks. His lone jam came in the sixth inning when he had the bases loaded and two outs. He stranded all three runners by striking out Chad Pinder.
Tommy Nance needed just 19 pitches to record scoreless seventh and eighth innings.
The Athletics (45-79) broke up the shutout with one out in the ninth against Cole Sulser on a Stephen Vogt RBI single that scored Sean Murphy. Tanner Scott relieved Sulser with runners on the corners. He held the Athletics to two runs on a Shea Langeliers RBI double and Jonah Bride sacrifice fly for his 19th save and second in as many games.
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