Scherzer Shelled, Marlins Top Tigers 9-5

ON THE BUMP:

Max Scherzer had a bit of a rough day today. Mad Max allowed nine base-runners, and 5 runs in just 2 1/3 innings of work today. He never really found a groove and gave up some deep hits. One of which took place in the third inning when Matt Dominguez’s belted a three-run home run. Scherzer clearly appeared to be working on his secondary pitches today so I’m not going to get all negative. I’ve seen nothing but positive results from every other Scherzer start this spring. Turn the Page.

Charlie Furbush entered the game and stopped the bleeding for 2 2/3 innings. He walked two, struck out one and took a long time to pitch. Seriously, I thought the umpires were going to get out the stop watch in between pitches.

Joaquin Benoit struck out three in a clean inning of work. He has yet to allow a run this spring and opposing batters are hitting just .083 against him. With Joel Zumaya unlikely for opening day I really like the Benoit acquisition.

John Bale pulled off a strong impersonation of Scherzer’s performance today. Bale allowed four hits, one walk and three runs in one very long inning. I think even Fu-Te Ni is ahead of Bale at this point. Watch out for that red tag in your locker Mr. Bale.

Lester Oliveros allowed a walk and a hit but escaped without allowing a run.

Robbie Weinhardt allowed a run on two hits.

AT THE PLATE:

Scott Sizemore was 2-4 with 3 RBI, he’s now batting batting a robust .222. That fight for second base is heating up.

Miguel Cabrera, Ryan Raburn and Austin Jackson all chipped in with a hit. Beyond that it was pretty pathetic at the plate again.

WORTH NOTING:

Former Detroit Tigers prospect Burke Badenhop pitched two clean innings. Among his four strikeouts were Miguel Cabrera the key piece that we received when we traded him. Badenhop is the only remaining player on the Marlins from that deal.

UP NEXT:

The Tigers battle the Phillies in a 1:05 p.m. ET game at Joker Marchant Stadium on Wednesday. Rick Porcello is scheduled to start. Ryan Perry and Jose Valverde are also scheduled to pitch-per Jason Beck.