Marlins 3 - 2 Guardians
Final
  for this game

Ramirez lifts Marlins to win over Indians

May 19, 2012 - 6:35 AM

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Cleveland, OH (Sports Network) - Hanley Ramirez's sacrifice fly in the eighth inning lifted the Marlins over the Indians, 3-2, in the first of a three-game set at Progressive Field.

With Tony Sipp (0-2) on the mound, Bryan Petersen walked, moved to second on a Jose Reyes sacrifice bunt before advancing to third on a throwing error from pitcher Joe Smith. Ramirez then fought off three sinkers before roping a deep line drive to center that plated Petersen.

Carlos Zambrano (2-2) earned the win after giving up two runs on four hits over seven frames.

"I felt good. Everything was working today," said Zambrano. "I gave up two runs but that didn't stop me from battling and giving some strong innings."

Heath Bell earned his fourth save of the season after pitching a perfect ninth.

Omar Infante and Greg Dobbs also drove in runs for Miami, winners in three of their last four.

The Indians jumped ahead 2-0 in the second frame. Johnny Damon walked, then scored when Casey Kotchman roped a double to right. Giancarlo Stanton bobbled the ball before firing it home, but Damon slid by the tag. Kotchman scored two batters later when Shin-Soo Choo dropped in a single in left-center.

The Marlins came back with a run in the third to make it 2-1. Petersen drew a leadoff walk then moved to third on a Reyes single before scoring when Infante grounded into a fielder's choice.

Miami tied the game in the sixth at 2-2 following a Dobbs sacrifice fly. Infante walked then moved to third on a Ramirez double. Dobbs then sliced the Masterson offering into foul territory in left where Damon caught it and came up firing. The throw wasn't close to its target and Infante scored easily.

"When you only score two runs you have to play almost perfect baseball and we didn't," Indians manager Manny Acta said.

Game Notes

Bell picked up his first save in seven appearances...Miami improved to 7-3 all-time against the Tribe...Cleveland had a four game win streak snapped...The Indians fell to 10-11 at home this season...Cleveland starter Justin Masterson gave up two runs on six hits over seven innings in the start.






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