Game 17 Recap: Josh Johnson is an Ace

Marlins starter Josh Johnson faced one batter over the minimum in seven shutout innings. He gave up two singles and a walk and got two double plays behind him. The Marlins managed to piece together two big innings, collecting seven of their nine hits during those frames.

The first hiccup was in the second. And it started with two outs. Mike Stanton was hit by Paul Maholm. Three straight singles from John Buck, Emilio Bonifacio and Johnson pushed two runs across. Two innings later the Marlins extended the lead to six to nil and drove Maholm from the game. Stanton and Buck doubled to start the inning. Maholm later walked Hanley Ramirez with the bases loaded. That was the last pitch that Maholm tossed on the night. Michael Crotta relieved him. He gave up a two run single to Gaby Sanchez before getting Logan Morrison to end the inning.

Maholm took the loss after getting charged with six runs in 3-2/3 innings. Johnson is 3-0 on the year.

The Good
Crotta, Daniel McCutchen and Joe Beimel combined to throw 4-1/3 innings of shutout relief.

The Bad
Didn’t get above .500

Only two hits.

The Rest
Jose Tabata came into the game with three hits in four at bats against Johnson. He only got up three times and made three outs.

Johnson is 2-0 against the Pirates in two career appearances. Maholm is now 3-5 against Florida.