Neither outcome was surprising, considering how poorly they have fared when the pressure has been on. Entering Sunday, the Marlins ranked fifth in the majors with a .283 average with the bases empty. But they were 28th -- second to last -- with a .219 average with runners in scoring position.
''We do have to improve our hitting with people in scoring position,'' said Josh Willingham, who leads the Marlins with a .341 average but is hitting a pedestrian .263 with runners in scoring position.
Willingham, who had two hits and a walk Sunday, struck out with the bases loaded in the seventh. Jeremy Hermida also struck out, and Jorge Cantu fouled out.
CATCHING CAROUSEL
Matt Treanor was on the lineup card Sunday -- no surprise, since that's where backup catchers typically wind up for a day game following a night game. What is a bit of a surprise is that Treanor has been reduced to backup status behind Mike Rabelo after the word all spring was that the two would split the duties.
Rabelo has started 11 of the Marlins' 17 games since he emerged from the disabled list on April 11. Manager Fredi Gonzalez was coy in his explanation to reporters for the reason behind his decision.
''When your name's in the lineup, you play,'' Gonzalez said. ``Seriously, whoever is playing well, plays. It's not that big of a deal.''
Gonzalez mentioned that Rabelo (.273) is hitting. But it's not like Treanor wasn't contributing with his bat before Rabelo joined the roster. Treanor was 7 for 26 at the time Rabelo started cutting into his playing time, but has gone 2 for 16 since.
JACOBS STILL HURTING
Mike Jacobs said his injured middle finger won't heal without significant rest, and it is an issue he will have to deal with the rest of the season. After fouling off a 1-1 pitch in the sixth inning Saturday, Jacobs abruptly returned to the dugout, ceding the rest of the at-bat to pinch-hitter Wes Helms.
''It hurt too much,'' he said. ``I couldn't swing.''
Jacobs said he gets a numbing sensation in his right hand on certain swings, but the feeling always returns.
