Amarista pops pinch-hit homer to lead Padres past the Miami Marlins 4-2

. Photo Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports.

The Friars (2-4) snapped their four-game losing streak with the help of a pinch-hit three-run homer by Alexi Amarista in the top of the seventh inning against the Miami Marlins (5-2).  The Padres beat the Marlins 4-2 at Marlins Park in Miami.

Through six innings, the Padres trailed 1-0 despite a strong pitching performance by Ian Kennedy (6.0 IP, 1 run, 3 hits).  Kennedy’s only blemish came in the bottom of the fourth when he gave up an RBI single to Giancarlo Stanton.  Stanton leads the majors with 12 RBIs.

In the top of the seventh, Manager Bud Black pinch-hit Amarista for Kennedy with two outs and two runners on base.  Amarista battled Marlins starting pitcher Nathan Eovaldi until he golfed the ninth pitch into the right field seats, giving the Padres a 3-1 lead.

In the bottom of the seventh, the Marlins chipped away at the two-run deficit when Alex Torres gave up an RBI double to second baseman Jeff Baker.  However, the Marlins were unable to mount a late-game comeback.

In the top of the eighth, Chris Denorfia singled to center, stole second, and advanced to third on a throwing error by Marlins catcher Jarrod Saltalamacchia.  Yonder Alonso batted Deno in with a sacrifice fly to left field, giving the Friars a 4-2 lead.

Joaquin Benoit and Huston Street retired the Marlins in order in the eighth and ninth innings, respectively.

Hopefully, Amarista’s home run gives the Padres a much needed boost as they continue their road trip against the Cleveland Indians (3-3) tomorrow night (7:05 pm ET).

Link to box score.