Haren escapes repeated jams to help Marlins beat Reds 8-1
MIAMI (AP) -- Pitching against Johnny Cueto, Dan Haren figured he needed to be at his best. With runners on base, he was.
Haren repeatedly worked out of jams and allowed only one run in six innings to help the Miami Marlins beat Cueto and the Cincinnati Reds 8-1 Sunday.
The Reds stranded seven runners in scoring position against Haren (7-5), and threatened in all but one inning while he was on the mound. They went 1 for 11 with runners in scoring position against the right-hander.
"There were a lot of opportunities with runners in scoring position, probably too many," Haren said. "But I was able to pitch out of them. I had them off balance a bit. I was definitely pleased with the end result."
Cueto (6-6) allowed five runs, three earned, in five innings. Haren was pleasantly surprised to receive so much run support.
"Against Cueto, I thought I was going to have to give up zero or one run to have a chance," Haren said.
When Cueto was lifted for a pinch hitter, he angrily sent a cooler skidding across the dugout floor. The Reds, outscored 22-4 in the final two games before the All-Star break, held a meeting after the defeat, with Cueto's tantrum among the topics.
"It was not the right way to handle it," manager Bryan Price said. "We've discussed that, and he knows that. It is not typical of Johnny by any means to have that type of reaction, and I certainly don't condone it."
Cueto was contrite.
"I feel bad," the Dominican said through a translator. "You get frustrated; we're all frustrated. But the manager is the manager, and the manager has a chance to do things like that, and that's what he's going to do."
Both teams finished disappointing first halves. The Reds (39-47) began the day 15 1/2 games behind NL Central leader St. Louis, while the Marlins (38-51) had the second-worst record in the majors.
"It has been a rough half," Haren said. "We've got clear our minds and then come out and make some sort of a run. Time is running out. We've got to make a move."
Haren might not be around for any move. He is expected to be on the market as the trade deadline approaches.
He allowed five hits, walked three and threw 104 pitches, but the only runner to score against him was the game's leadoff batter. He lowered his ERA to 3.24.
"Minimizing damage was huge," manager Dan Jennings said. "That's knowing how to pitch."
Justin Bour had three hits and three RBIs for the Marlins, who won three of four from the Reds. Casey McGehee, signed Friday for a second stint with Miami, drove in two runs for the second game in a row.
Three Miami relievers retired the final nine batters of the five-hitter.
DEALING MARLINS?
As the trade deadline nears, players not under the Marlins' control after this season are likely to be available, including Haren and right-hander Mat Latos. But despite the Marlins' poor record, there will be no major shakeup as in many other recent seasons at the trade deadline, president of baseball operations Michael Hill said.
"We believe in this core," Hill said.
Hill conceded the season has been frustrating.
"Offensively we've been inconsistent," he said. "We've had to battle injuries, and we've battled underperformance or non-performance."
The Marlins are 8-6 since All-Star slugger Giancarlo Stanton was sidelined with a broken left hand.
"After Giancarlo went down, we've actually shown more consistency and definitely more energy," Jennings said. "That should bode well for the second half."
TRAINER'S ROOM
Marlins: INF Martin Prado (shoulder) will return to Single-A Jupiter on a rehab assignment and is expected to be activated for the Marlins' next game Friday at Philadelphia. He may fill in at second for All-Star Dee Gordon, who is expected to be sidelined at least a week with a dislocated left thumb, Hill said.
UP NEXT
Marlins: Ace Jose Fernandez (2-0, 2.08 ERA) is scheduled to make his third start since returning from Tommy John at Philadelphia on Friday.
