Despite a quality start from Anibal Sanchez, another poor outing from closer Heath Bell caused the Miami Marlin to drop their final game before the All-Star Break, 5-4.
The Marlins jumped out to a 1-0 lead in the top of the first when Hanley Ramirez scored on a throwing error when he was trying to steal third. The Cardinals answered with a run in the second and fifth to go up 2-1. Anibal Sanchez was solid on the hill for the Marlins, going six innings and allowing two runs on five hits.
Sanchez was outdone on the hill however by Joe Kelly who allowed just two hits and zero earned runs in six innings for the Cardinals.
The Marlins were able to break through in the top of the seventh when Austin Kearns hit a three-run homer to put the Fish up 4-2.
Heath Bell was not able to hold on to the lead yet again in the ninth, loading the bases before allowing a sac fly to Tony Cruz and then a game-winning, two-run single by Rafael Furcal.
For more news, analysis, and discussion on the Marlins, visit Fish Stripes. For more on theCardinals check out Viva El Birdos. Head over to Baseball Nation for more news and notes from around the Major Leagues.