Miami, FL (Sports Network) – Gaby Sanchez hit a three-run homer and Ricky Nolasco was solid in eight innings on the mound, as the Florida Marlins handled the Colorado Rockies, 5-2, in the third test of a four-game series at Sun Life Stadium.
Nolasco (10-7) allowed two runs on four hits to remain perfect against Colorado in his career. The right-hander also struck out eight and walked two to improve to 5-0 in six lifetime games (five starts) versus the Rockies. Leo Nunez picked up his 23rd save of the season. Jorge Cantu and Dan Uggla each had an RBI for the Marlins, who bounced back from a 10-0 loss on Tuesday to win for the fourth time in five games. Seth Smith hit a two-run homer for Colorado, which has lost five of seven. Jason Hammel (7-5) went seven frames in the start, giving up five runs on six hits. The Marlins got on the board in the first. Hanley Ramirez hit a two-out single, stole second, and crossed the plate on Uggla's double. Cantu followed with an RBI two-bagger of his own for a 2-0 lead. Florida added three more runs in the second. Mike Stanton doubled and Chris Coghlan walked before Sanchez hit a two-out, three-run homer to center for a 5-0 margin. Colorado stranded a runner on second in the second and third frames. A few good defensive plays kept the Rockies off the board in the sixth. Smith led off with a single before Jonathan Herrera hit a line drive to right. Stanton, though, made a nice sliding catch for the first out. With runners on first and second, Jason Giambi hit a fly ball to deep center. Cody Ross made a nice catch at the wall before Brad Hawpe grounded out to end the frame. The Rockies finally got to Nolasco in the eighth. Pinch-hitter Dexter Fowler walked and scored on Smith's homer to right. Colorado put runners on first and second with two outs in the ninth. Nunez, though, got pinch-hitter Brad Eldredswinging to end the game. The Rockies and Marlins have split six matchups this season...Florida placed catcher Brett Hayes on the 15-day disabled list, designated pitcher Nate Robertson for assignment, and recalled pitcher Jorge Sosa and catcher Brad Davis from Triple-A New Orleans. Davis went 0-for-3 at the plate...Hammel fell to 0-3 in five career appearances versus the Marlins, three of those starts...Colorado went 0-for-5 with runners in scoring position and stranded seven...Nolasco recorded his 50th career victory.