Marlins In Late August

Things have not looked good for the Florida Marlins in late August. The Marlins finished a west coast road swing by getting swept in four games by the San Diego Padres. The team was able to see the retirement of reliever Trevor Hoffman's uniform number at Petco Park. Hoffman played briefly for Florida during their first season in 1993. The Marlins returned home to Sun Life Stadium for a brief three-game homestand against the Cincinnati Reds. Florida's bullpen gave up four runs in the ninth inning and lost game one 8-6. Ricky Nolasco passed current Reds pitcher Dontrelle Willis as the Marlins all-time strikeout leader with 765. Outfielder Logan Morrison was promoted from Triple-A New Orleans following the game. Both teams split a doubleheader due to the threat of Hurricane Irene the following day. Philadelphia was the Marlins next stop where a three-game weekend series at Citizens Bank Park turned out to be a one game with two games postponed due to the impending appearance of Hurricane Irene in the Delaware Valley. Florida catcher John Buck hit a grand slam homer in the 6th inning following singles by Greg Dobbs, Mike Cameron and Gaby Sanchez to give the Marlins a 6-1 lead. Clay Hensley allowed three runs on three hits in 5 2-3 innings for the Florida 6-5 win over the Phillies. The Marlins have won 2 of their last 4 games but have gone 4-17 since August 4.