MIAMI (AP) — Ozzie Guillen gives himself a C-plus at best for the job he has done with the Miami Marlins, and his lineup deserves an even lower grade. When it comes to clutch hitting, the Marlins flunk too many tests.
They batted .127 (8 for 63) with runners in scoring position during a dismal homestand, which is the primary reason the Marlins went 1-8. They began last week in a virtual tie for the NL East lead, and they now head out on a two-city trip seven games behind division leader Washington.
The Marlins rank near the bottom of the majors in runs, batting average, slugging percentage and on-base percentage. When they get a runner to second or third, they’re even worse. Miami is batting .218 with runners in scoring position.
