The Miami Marlins dropped the opener of a quick two-game set on Monday night, losing 3-2 to the visiting Pittsburgh Pirates. The Bucs got an impressive spot start from Brad Lincoln, who gave up just four hits and two runs over six innings. Anibal Sanchez continued his solid season, striking out five and allowing just three earned runs over seven innings. But Pittsburgh got some timely hitting to eke out the one-run victory, with Pedro Alvarez doubling home Andrew McCutchen in the sixth inning for a lead that would hold up over the final four innings.
It was a quiet night for Ozzie Guillen's lineup. Hanley Ramirez took Lincoln deep to left in the first inning to even it up 1-1. Emilio Bonifacio singled home Logan Morrison in the bottom of the fourth but that would be it for Miami, as the offense stalled out against a Pittsburgh team that's struggled mightily to score themselves. The series will wrap up on Tuesday night with Miami looking for a split. Ace Josh Johnson will toe the rubber for the Fish, while Pittsburgh will counter with Kevin Correia.
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