Marlins blanked by Zack Greinke, Dodgers in homestand finale
MIAMI (AP) -- Without Giancarlo Stanton, the Miami Marlins couldn't muster much against Zack Greinke.
The major league ERA leader pitched 7 2-3 innings Sunday for his first victory since May 5, winning 2-0.
The Marlins had five hits, struck out eight times and went 0 for 5 with runners in scoring position. While losing two of three games in the series they struck out 36 times, walked twice and went 1 for 21 with runners in scoring position.
They also lost major league home run and RBI leader Stanton, who underwent surgery Sunday on his broken left hand and will be sidelined four to six weeks.
"We've got to cut down on the strikeouts and put the ball in play," manager Dan Jennings said. "We all know we've lost a big bat in the middle of the order. He won't be there so we're going to have to take better at-bats. The concentration is going to have to improve, and we're going to have to put the ball in play to make the other team make the outs against us."
The Marlins have gone 1-5 on their homestand while batting 2 for 38 (.053) with runners in scoring position.
"We'd like to push some runs across and take some pressure off our defense and pitching," catcher Jeff Mathis said. "But you just have to keep grinding."
Miami rookie Jose Urena (1-4) pitched five innings, and a defensive misplay resulted in the only run he allowed.
"I did well, but sometimes that's how it goes," the Dominican said through a translator. "You go out and give your best effort and try to help the team win, but it's not always going to work out."
Greinke (6-2) allowed four hits and held the opposition without a run for his third start in a row, extending his scoreless streak to 20 2-3 innings. In the previous two games, he departed with the score 0-0, and this time he left leading 2-0.
Adrian Gonzalez had three hits, including an RBI double. Howie Kendrick had two hits and drove in a run.
After Greinke lowered his ERA to 1.58, two relievers completed a five-hitter for the Dodgers' 11th shutout. Kenley Jansen pitched around a leadoff double in the ninth for his 11th save in 12 chances.
Josh Beckett, who won the clinching game of the 2003 World Series for the Marlins and tossed a no-hitter for the Dodgers, threw out the ceremonial first pitch. And in the early going, Greinke and Urena threw like Beckett at his best.
The Dodgers, who were hurt by defensive mistakes in their loss Saturday, benefited from a Marlins lapse in the fifth inning.
With runners at first and third and one out in the fifth, Kendrick hit a grounder to second that looked like a routine double play ball. But shortstop Adeiny Hechavarria's relay throw to first was wide, and first baseman Justin Bour was unable to stay on the bag because of poor footwork, allowing Kendrick to beat the throw for a 1-0 Dodgers lead.
FERNANDEZ COMEBACK
Marlins ace Jose Fernandez gave up four runs in five innings Saturday for Double-A Jacksonville in his final rehab start before rejoining the rotation against the Giants on Thursday. It will be his first outing since he underwent Tommy John surgery in May 2014.
"Saturday wasn't about the results," Jennings said. "It was about getting in the work and making sure he gets built up to a certain number of pitches. I know he's excited, and we're excited about him coming back."
UP NEXT
Marlins RHP Mat Latos (2-5, 5.49) is scheduled to start Tuesday against Giants RHP Ryan Vogelsong (6-5, 4.05).
