Marlins Crush Cubs

The Miami Marlins continued their six-game homestand as they pounded the Chicago Cubs 9-1 on Wednesday night at Marlins Park. The Marlins reached the .500 mark for the first time this season at 6-6. The team had a season-high 14 hits against Chicago. Miami was able to take the lead in the third inning off Matt Garza. Following a lead-off walk by John Buck, Donnie Murphy smashed a two-run home run to left field on a 2-1 pitch. The Marlins left the bases loaded in the fourth inning as Murphy struck out. Miami increased their lead to 4-0 on a two-out rally in the fifth inning. Emilio Bonifacio pulled off a bunt single to third base. Hanley Ramirez then blasted a two-run homer on a 1-1 pitch to left-center field. He has hit a home run in three straight games. In the sixth inning, Giancarlo Stanton led off with a walk. Gaby Sanchez knocked him in on a double to right-center field. Garza then left the game after five-plus innings as he gave up six runs on seven hits and struck out seven batters. Buck popped to second, then Murphy got a double to left field and Sanchez advanced to third. Mark Buehrle hit an RBI single to right with Sanchez crossing the plate. Murphy scored on a sacrifice fly to center by Jose Reyes. The Marlins added three runs in the sixth to make it 7-0. Buehrle had his shutout broken in the seventh inning as Jeff Baker scored from third on a ground out by Ian Stewart to first base. Baker had hit a lead-off double to center field. Miami added to the lead in the bottom of the frame as Chris Coghlan scored on a sacrifice fly by Murphy. Buehrle was pulled after eight innings and surrendered one run on five hits. Reyes led off the eighth inning with a triple down the left field line. He scored two batters later on a fielders choice. Miami will play the Cubs at around noon on Thursday before going on the road.