Edward Cabrera Struggles Again, Rays Shutout Marlins

The Miami Marlins faced off against the Tampa Bay Rays on Friday night in what was the start of a three-game Citrus Series. Miami didn’t play too well, however, losing to Tampa Bay in shutout fashion, 8-0.

Recap

Friday’s win for Tampa Bay was very much a team effort. The Rays scored early, and then kept adding on, recording their second-consecutive win and 12th shutout of the season.

Scoring Summary

In the first inning, Randy Arozarena hit a bases-clearing three-run double. Then, in the fourth inning, Kevin Kiermaier hit a two-run double, putting the Rays up 5-0. Tampa Bay would not stop in the fifth inning; Francisco Mejía hit a two-run single to extend the Rays’ lead. In the seventh inning, Kevin Kiermaier recorded another extra-base hit; Kiermaier hit a triple that scored Randy Arozarena.

In total, the Rays came to play on Friday. Kevin Kiermaier went 3-for-3 with a triple, double, walk and three RBIs, and Francisco Mejia (double, run, two RBIs) notched two hits. Rookie Wander Franco also reached base for a 40th consecutive game.

Meanwhile, the Marlins only mustered a single by Lewis Brinson and a double by Jesus Sanchez.

Pitching

Rookie and top pitching prospect, Edward Cabrera, labored through command issues Friday. The 23-year-old lasted just three innings with four walks in his sixth career start. Cabrera allowed three runs on two hits and struck out six.

Miami’s best pitcher Friday was catcher Sandy Leon. Leon pitched a scoreless eighth inning as the Marlins decided to rest their bullpen.

Meanwhile, Ryan Yarbrough and two Tampa Bay pitchers combined on a two-hit shutout.

Next Up

On Saturday night, Marlins ACE Sandy Alcantara (9-13) will take to the mound against Shane McClanahan (9-6) of the Rays.