MIAMI – With the games getting closer, the Florida Marlins keep winning.
Jorge Cantu singled with two out in the ninth to score Emilio Bonifacio, and the Marlins remained unbeaten through four games by defeating the New York Mets 5-4 on Friday night.
The one-run margin was the first this season for Florida, the only unbeaten team in the majors.
“Man, there’s a lot of excitement out there,” Cantu said. “We’re having fun. We’re off to a great start, and hopefully it will set the tone for the rest of the season.”
While the Marlins are 4-0 for the first time in franchise history, manager Fredi Gonzalez said 162 victories are unlikely.
“We may kick one. Maybe 161,” he said with a laugh. “No, it’s a good start.”
The Mets fell to 2-2 because they left 14 runners on base, stranding at least one every inning.”A couple of hits here and there, and we could have broken it open,” manager Jerry Manuel said.
After New York tied the game in the top of the ninth, Bonifacio reached on an infield single off Pedro Feliciano (0-1) with one out. Darren O’Day walked Hanley Ramirez, and Cantu singled to left on an 0-1 pitch, with Bonifacio sliding home ahead of the throw.
Cardinals 5, Astros 3: At St. Louis, Ryan Ludwick homered and drove in two runs, Skip Schumaker had three hits and the Cardinals survived another shaky ninth inning to beat Houston.
Brewers 4, Cubs 3: At Milwaukee, Ryan Braun’s grounder to shortstop scored Rickie Weeks on a close play at the plate, and the Brewers rallied for two runs in the ninth inning.
Rockies 10, Phillies 3: At Denver, Cole Hamels was roughed up and chased early by the Rockies in his debut after some spring training elbow trouble pushed back his start.
Braves 6, Nationals 5, 10 innings: At Atlanta, Kelly Johnson singled in the 10th inning to score Jordan Schafer with the winning run in a rain-delayed game.
Padres 7, Giants 3: At San Diego, Canyon del Oro High grad Scott Hairston hit a three-run homer, Brian Giles drove in two runs and the Padres jumped on Barry Zito early.
Pirates at Reds: The game was called due to rain. No makeup date has been set.
AL: Pettitte carries Yankees
KANSAS CITY, Mo. – Andy Pettitte gave up three hits in seven strong innings and Jorge Posada hit a two-run single, carrying the New York Yankees over the Royals 4-1 Friday in the opener of Kansas City’s renovated Kauffman Stadium.
Tigers 15, Rangers 2: At Detroit, Miguel Cabrera hit a grand slam and matched his career high with six RBIs, leading Armando Galarraga and the Tigers over the Rangers.
Orioles 5, Rays 4: At Baltimore, Melvin Mora drove in three runs, Mark Hendrickson won in his Baltimore debut and the Orioles ended a run of 12 straight losses to Tampa Bay.
Twins 12, White Sox 5: At Chicago, Joe Crede homered against his former team and Justin Morneau also went deep.
Blue Jays 13, Indians 7: At Cleveland, Marco Scutaro’s bloop RBI single brought home the go-ahead run in Toronto’s six-run eighth inning.
Mariners 5, Athletics 4: At Oakland, Calif., Endy Chavez had three hits and drove in two runs.