Prado dazzles on defense at hot corner

MIAMI -- Martin Prado has a knack of making the tough plays look easy. The veteran third baseman made the defensive play of the night on Monday in Miami's 5-2 loss to the Pirates at Marlins Park.

With the bases loaded and no outs in the fifth inning, Prado started a sparkling double play that saved a run and a big inning. He also showed quick reflexes in the third inning, snaring a hot liner off the bat of Jordy Mercer.

"He's been playing a solid third base all year," Marlins right-hander Tom Koehler said. "Just an all-around great player."

Video: PIT@MIA: Prado makes a great catch to rob Mercer

Starting the double play in the fifth inning was a potential turning point for Miami, which was down 2-0 and facing a bases-loaded situation.

Gregory Polanco was on third, and Jung Ho Kang was at the plate.

Ranging to his left to field Kang's grounder, Prado spun and threw home to get Polanco. Catcher J.T. Realmuto kept his cool and turned a different double play, by creating a throwing lane and getting Kang at first.

Koehler was able to escape the inning without allowing a run.

Video: PIT@MIA: Koehler escapes bases-loaded jam in the 5th

"He showed his true baseball instincts right there," Koehler said of Prado. "He made a real solid play. Great throw to J.T., and J.T. has a strong arm and was able to make a good throw down to first. It was a huge play."

Prado capped his solid night with two singles.

"We got out of that bases-loaded jam, and a tremendous play by Prado to start the 5-2-3 double play," manager Dan Jennings said.