Marlins' offense searching for consistency

MIAMI -- After matching a season high for runs scored and setting a team high for hits on Tuesday night at Minnesota, Marlins manager Mike Redmond was hopeful his club's offense was waking up.

After all, the Marlins beat the Twins, 8-5, in Game 2 of a doubleheader on Tuesday at Target Field, collecting 16 hits in the process.

Off on Wednesday, the Marlins responded quickly on Thursday, scoring three runs in the first two innings against the Cubs at Marlins Park. But a two-run lead slipped away, and Miami lost, 4-3.

A lack of consistent run production remains an issue for the slumping Marlins.

They've scored 57 runs total in their first 22 games. It's the fewest runs by a Marlins team in the month of April.

Actually, Miami has struggled to score in April for the past two years. Previously, the franchise low for runs in the month is 73, established last year.

"We're looking for guys to step up and get big hits," Redmond said. "That's really what we need, all around, confidence-wise, and for everybody."