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Amezaga, Marlins rout slumping Astros

Sep 18, 2008 - 3:31 AM By Christopher Stock PA SportsTicker Contributing Writer

MIAMI (Ticker) -- Hanley Ramirez hit two home runs, Jorge Cantu added a grand slam, and Alfredo Amezaga drove in four runs as the Florida Marlins won their seventh straight game, a 14-2 hammering of the Houston Astros on Wednesday.

Marlins starter Ricky Nolasco (15-7) pitched seven solid innings allowing two runs while striking out four to win his fourth consecutive decision.

"Usually when you pitch well and you start swinging the bats, you've got a chance to put some streaks together," Marlins manager Fredi Gonzalez said. "Let's ride this one out and see how far we can go with it."

Hunter Pence hit a pair of solo home runs to give him 24 on the season for the Astros, who have lost four straight since Hurricane Ike ravaged the Houston area.

"I am distracted, but I am sick and tired of talking about it," Astros starter Brandon Backe said. "The start of this whole trip has weighed on all of us - just the way it has been handled.

"When you are not playing baseball for two days and you don't have electricity, there's nothing you can do to prepare yourself for a major league baseball game for two days, then you play like this."

Houston (80-71), which won 14 of 15 before its recent losing streak, is fading in the chase for the National League wild card. The Astros are four games behind the New York Mets (84-67) with 11 games remaining.

"This is the time you have to step up and be counted, not just pitching-wise, but also offensively as well," Astros manager Cecil Cooper said. "We have some awfully big stinking bats that aren't doing it and we need it and I've had enough."

Ramirez led off the game with a solo shot to left field off Backe (9-13) and Mike Jacobs added a two-run single. Amezaga also drove in a run in the frame as the Marlins led 4-0 after one.

Pence hit a solo shot in the second, but it was countered by Ramirez' 32nd homer in the bottom of the inning. It was the eighth career two-home run game for Ramirez.

Backe pitched 1 2/3 innings and allowed five runs and six hits in his first start since September 2.

"I didn't feel rusty, but I just didn't have it," Backe said.

The Marlins broke the game open in the sixth as Mike, Dan Uggla, and Josh Willingham all singled to load the bases before Amezaga delivered a three-run double to give the Marlins a 9-2 advantage.

Cantu added a grand slam in the eighth to cap the scoring for the Marlins. It was his second career grand slam -- the other coming on July 21, 2006. Cantu's homer gives him 28 and five in his last six games.

Ramirez left the game in the fifth with a left shoulder strain. He injured his shoulder after striking out in the fourth and is listed as day-to-day.

"Hopefully I don't miss a game," Ramirez said. "I'm going to be day-to-day and see how it feels when I come to the ballpark."