Early home runs against Elieser Hernandez doom Marlins to start series against Angels
Elieser Hernandez gave up two early home runs and manager Don Mattingly was ejected in the fourth inning of the Miami Marlins’ 6-2 loss to the Los Angeles Angels on Monday to begin a two-game series.
Brandon Marsh and Jo Adell each took advantage of a poorly located fastball from Hernandez and sent the pitches beyond the outfield wall at Angel Stadium to put the Marlins (1-3) behind for good.
Both of the home run pitches were nearly middle-middle. Marsh took his 90.8 mph offering from Hernandez and sent it 423 feet to center field in the first inning for a two-out, three-run home run. It came after Shohei Ohtani led off the inning with a single catcher Max Stassi drew a two-out walk.
Adell then led off the second inning by sending an 89.8 mph pitch 430 feet to right center.
Marsh and Adell also hit RBI doubles in the eighth inning against Shawn Armstrong to pad the Angels’ lead.
Hernandez allowed just two hits the rest of his time on the mound way and struck out six — five of which came on the slider — but was taken out with two outs in the fifth inning after throwing 76 pitches.
“Making mistakes is part of the game,” Hernandez said. “I just have to do better.”
Jesus Sanchez scored Miami’s only runs of the game with a pair no-doubt home runs in the fourth and ninth. Joey Wendle’s double in the second was the Marlins’ only other hit on Monday. Marlins hitters struck out 11 times.
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Mattingly was ejected two pitches afterward when a low slider to Jesus Aguilar was called a strike. Mattingly gave home plate umpire Nick Mahrley an earful after the decision before retreating to the clubhouse.
Bench coach James Rowson served as acting manager the rest of the game.
“Thought it was quick,” Mattingly said of the ejection, “but it wasn’t my first argument of the night. Usually you get a little more rope. Obviously not tonight.”
This story was originally published April 12, 2022 at 12:20 AM.
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