Marlins work overtime to beat Astros 5-4

It took extra innings for the Marlins to get their first home win of the season, and their first ever at Marlins Park. Gaby Sanchez drove in Chris Coghlan with the game winner as the clock struck eleven on the east coast. Miami native J.D. Martinez made history when he became the first player to hit a homerun in the new Marlins Park. It wasn’t just any homer either. It was a clutch eighth inning 2-run blast to tie the game. Martinez cleared the wall in left-center, an area that is quickly becoming known as the place where long fly balls go to die.

Jed Lowrie had a good game in his Astros debut. Lowrie stroked an RBI single in his first at-bat to give the Astros an early 1-0 lead. Lowrie also singled in the eighth and scored on the Martinez homer.

Astros starter Lucas Harrell failed to duplicate last Saturday’s impressive outing. Harrell labored through four innings, allowing four runs on seven hits and four walks. Harrell struggled with his control and uncorked a run-scoring wild pitch along the way. The bullpen bailed him out, holding Miami scoreless until the eleventh when Brandon Lyon failed to record an out. Chris Carpenter, Wilton Lopez, and Fernando Rodriguez pitched two scoreless innings apiece, allowing Houston to mount a comeback and send the game to extras.

Jason Castro picked up his first hit of the season and was 2 for 5 for the night. Carlos Lee had a throwing error early in the game but more than made up for it with a handful of outstanding defensive plays as the night wore on. Jordan Schafer had a hit, two walks, and two more stolen bases in the game. The 5-4 loss drops Houston to 3-4 on the season. Tomorrow Bud Norris goes up against Carlos Zambrano in game two of the three game series.