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The Honolulu Advertiser
Posted on: Sunday, July 5, 2009

MLB: Nolasco Ks 12, leads Marlins over Pirates


Associated Press

MIAMI — Ricky Nolasco struck out 12 in eight innings to win his fourth consecutive start, and the Florida Marlins beat the Pittsburgh Pirates 5-0 on Sunday.

Nolasco (6-6) allowed three hits and missed his career high for strikeouts by one, set Aug. 2 against Colorado. It was Nolasco's first win in his last four starts against Pittsburgh dating to last season. The Marlins won their fourth consecutive series at home.

Leo Nunez worked a scoreless ninth to finish the Marlins' second shutout of the season.

Ross Ohlendorf (7-7) gave up five runs on nine hits over five innings and lost his third consecutive road start. The Pirates have lost six of eight.

The Marlins took a 2-0 lead in the second. Jeremy Hermida led off with a triple. Cody Ross then was hit by a pitch. John Baker followed with a grounder to first baseman Adam LaRoche, who threw wide to the plate, allowing Hermida to score. Ross advanced to third on a single by Wes Helms, then scored when Nolasco grounded into a double play.

Florida stretched its lead to 3-0 in the third. Jorge Cantu lined a two-out double down the line. He scored on Hermida's single to center.

After Baker and Helms led off the fourth with consecutive singles, Chris Coghlan and Dan Uggla each hit RBI singles to give the Marlins a 5-0 lead.

Florida's Hanley Ramirez won fan voting to be the starting shortstop for the NL in the All-Star game and pitcher Josh Johnson was named to roster. A starter last year, Ramirez became the first Marlins player to be voted to the All-Star team twice by the fans.

Pittsburgh's Freddy Sanchez was named as a reserve. Sanchez, who was a reserve in 2006 and 2007, is the first Pirates player to be a three-time All-Star since Jason Kendall.

NOTES: Florida's Ramirez was a late scratch from Sunday's starting lineup with a tight right hip flexor. Ramirez is day to day. ... Pittsburgh's Sanchez missed his third straight start with back spasms and remains day to day.