MIAMI – Working overtime is not paying off for the Miami Marlins.
Miami erased an early four-run deficit and scored in the ninth to force extra innings, but lost to the Oakland Athletics in 14 innings Saturday, 7-6.
The pattern was all too familiar for the Marlins. They’ve played five games lasting 13 or 14 innings this season, all since June 6, going 0-5.
“You play 13 or 14 innings and you don’t win, it takes a toll on you for sure,” manager Mike Redmond said. “We have to figure out how to get that big hit and make that big play to get the win.”
Trailing by a run in the bottom of the 14th, Miami loaded the bases with one out. Tenth-year veteran Jeff Francis came on to retire the final two batters for his first career save.
Oakland manager Bob Melvin’s reaction?
“Relief,” he said. “To expend everything you have during a game like that, those are tough games to lose. I’m glad we won.”
For the second night in a row, the Athletics won despite squandering a 4-0 lead. They also overcame a blown save by Sean Doolittle, whose streak of 26 2-3 innings ended in the ninth.
Josh Donaldson’s two-out RBI single scored Moss from second base with the go-ahead run in the 14th. After Francis entered the game with the bases loaded in the bottom of the inning, Jarrod Saltalamacchia struck out, and Donovan Solano flied out to end the game.
“I’m not used to finishing games,” Francis said. “To slap hands like that after the game these guys put together was a thrill.”
Miami’s Nathan Eovaldi gave up four runs in the first, but rebounded to pitch seven innings. He allowed five runs.
“I have to do a better job,” Eovaldi said. “In the first inning I left pitches in the middle of the plate. They were aggressive at the plate and swinging the bats.”
The Marlins bounced back with three runs in the second. Solano hit an RBI single, and Reed Johnson doubled home two runs.
Miami scored two more in the fourth to take a 5-4 lead. Giancarlo Stanton singled home a run, and another scored on Garrett Jones’ groundout.
Miami trailed 6-5 when Stanton doubled with one out in the ninth, ending Doolittle’s streak of 24 consecutive batters retired. On the next pitch, Casey McGehee hit a game-tying single.
Doolittle blew a save for the second time in 13 chances.
“You know at some point he’s going to give up a hit or two,” Melvin said. “Their two best hitters did the damage.”
NOTES: Marlins LF Marcell Ozuna left the game in the eighth inning because of cramps. … A’s C Derek Norris, who left Friday’s game due to tightness in his back, wasn’t in uniform and isn’t expect to play until Tuesday at the earliest. … Marlins LF Christian Yelich is expected to be activated Sunday and rejoin the starting lineup after missing two weeks with a back injury. Miami is 31-26 when he bats leadoff and 8-16 when he doesn’t. … After the game, the Marlins optioned OF Jake Marisnick and RHP Anthony DeSclafani to Triple-A New Orleans. Before the game, they recalled RHP Sam Dyson from New Orleans. … LHP Milone (5-3, 3.89) tries to win his sixth consecutive decision Sunday when he faces the Marlins and LHP Andrew Heaney (0-2, 4.91).
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