Lowrie: Two hits in return
(c) Associated Press
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Let the record show that the first regular season home run hit in the Marlins' new ballpark was by a Miami native. And so was the first walk-off hit.
For most of the 30,000 fans in attendance on Friday, the bad news was that the homer came from Houston's J.D. Martinez who tied the game in the eighth, 4-4, with a blast that cleared the left field fence. The good news for them was that Gaby Sanchez doubled off that same fence to drive in the winning run in the 11th inning for a 5-4 decision. Brandon Lyon gave up the hit.
Martinez had two hits and scored twice. Jed Lowrie, in his first game as an Astro, also had two hits along with Jason Castro. Lowrie drove in the first run against Ricky Nolasco in the first inning while Castro drove in Martinez with a single in the fourth.
Lucas Harrell had trouble keeping the ball down and was scored upon in the first three innings. He coaxed a double play in the fourth and then was done for the night. The Houston bullpen did a stellar job with David Carpenter, Wilton Lopez and Fernando Rodriguez each tossing two scoreless innings.
Houston had their chance to win in the ninth when Miami closer Heath Bell suddenly lost control with two away, walking three batters on 12 pitches. But Carlos Lee couldn't resist and check-swinged a tapper to end the threat.
Lee and Lowrie made some defensive gems but Chris Johnson had the play of the game when he dove over the railing behind third base to snare a foul pop that sent the game to extra innings.
That's when Lyon came on in the 11th and served up an infield single to Chris Coughlin that bounced off Lyon's leg before Johnson could throw him out. Sanchez followed with a drive that did not clear the fence but caromed past Martinez allowing Coughlin to slide home to end the contest.
Saturday's 6:10 Central duel will feature Bud Norris versus old nemesis Carlos Zambrano. Neither had a decision in their first outing of the season.
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