Urena returns to form in tough-luck loss to Rox

Urena returns to form in tough-luck loss to Rox

April 28th, 2018

MIAMI -- The win column remains empty for , but the Marlins' Opening Day starter turned in his most impressive outing on Friday night.
The right-hander matched his season high of seven innings, scattering six hits with five strikeouts. The lone mistake Urena made was surrendering a two-out RBI double in the fifth to reliever in the Marlins' 1-0 loss to the Rockies at Marlins Park.
On a night the Marlins managed just six hits and didn't advance a runner as far as third base, Urena's performance resulted in a tough-luck loss. Urena fell to 0-4, but he made strides in how he pitched.
"I just tried to attack the hitters," Urena said. "I felt right, and everything was working."

Urena was efficient, minimized damage and mixed up his pitches to turn in yet another solid outing by a Miami starter. In the past five games, the Marlins' rotation has combined for a 1.55 ERA over 29 innings, with 36 strikeouts and seven walks.
"We've got to throw the ball over the plate," Marlins manager Don Mattingly said. "Our guys have good enough stuff. They're going to get people out. But the one thing you can't defend is the walk."

Getting Urena on track would be a big boost for the club. The righty has struggled most of the season, and in his previous three starts -- each five innings long -- he allowed 11 runs (6.60 ERA).
A hard thrower, Urena found success mixing all his pitches. Per Statcast™, he threw 30 four-seam fastballs, 35 two-seam, 26 sliders and seven changeups.
"If he can get it to both sides of the plate, it just changes things," Mattingly said. "He can throw the two-seamer there, and it runs down and in to the righty, and he can get the ball away from them, also. It makes him a tough guy to handle."

Urena even added a two-out double in the fifth inning.
The Marlins weren't able to mount any sustained offense against the Rockies, who patched together innings after Rockies lefty , who was experiencing a heartbeat issue, was lifted with one out in the second inning. Senzatela entered and pitched 3 2/3 frames.
MOMENTS THAT MATTERED
The Marlins squandered runners in scoring position in both the eighth and ninth innings. In the eighth, J.T. Realmuto and singled, but struck out and .

In the ninth, doubled to lead off the inning against closer , but he was not able to advance. Davis struck out with the count full, then fanned on three pitches. Pinch-hitter J.B. Shuck walked to bring up Realmuto with a chance to be a walk-off hero. But he bounced to short, and Shuck was forced out at second.
"They got outs. Their guys came in and did a good job throwing strikes," said. "We may have tried to do a little too much, maybe, and got away from our approach."

SOUND SMART
With 's return from the disabled list, Anderson moved from third base to right field. It marked the first time in his professional career that he played the outfield. Anderson also is expected to play some first base. He doesn't have an outfield glove yet, and because he wanted to have a familiar feel, Anderson played right field while wearing his third baseman's glove. More >

YOU GOTTA SEE THIS
Run at your own risk on Realmuto. found that out in the Rockies' half of the sixth inning. After collecting a two-out single, Dahl attempted to steal second, but he was thrown out by Realmuto, with Castro applying the tag. Per Statcast™, Realmuto's pop time was a super-quick 1.87 seconds, and the velocity on the throw was 83.9 mph.

HE SAID IT
"Anybody can hurt you." -- Mattingly, on reliever Senzatela driving in the only run
UP NEXT
, coming off a career-high 10-strikeout performance at Milwaukee, is scheduled to make the start at 7:10 p.m. ET on Saturday at Marlins Park. The Rockies are going with right-hander . But it remains to be seen whether Smith will make the start, because lefty could come off the DL and get the nod. Chen (left elbow strain) last started in the big leagues on May 1, 2017.