Hernandez stellar in return; Marlins sweep
Team aims for seasonbest 5-game win streak
Jazz Chisholm Jr. and Jesús Aguilar homered, and the Miami Marlins won their fourth game in a row while handing the Chicago Cubs their 11th straight loss with a 4-1 victory Sunday.
The game was tied at 1 before Chisholm connected against Alec Mills (5-5) in the sixth inning. Chisholm also singled and scored on Aguilar’s 22nd homer in the seventh.
“I got one down the middle and crushed it,” he said. “I’m feeling pretty good and confident right now.”
Miami right-hander Elieser
Hernandez permitted one run and four hits in 5 ⅓ innings. It was Hernandez’s first big league appearance since he strained his right quad June 3 in Pittsburgh.
Hernandez has been limited to three starts this season because of injuries.
“It’s been a hard year for me,” he said. “I never had this many injuries but now we’re back here and looking for positive results.”
Paul Campbell (1-2) got two outs for the win, and Dylan Floro worked the ninth for his fifth save.
Chicago matched its longest slide of the season. It also dropped 11 straight from June 25 to July 6.
The Marlins, who tied a season best with their fourth victory in succession, last won five games in a row during a six-game winning
streak from July 26-Aug. 7 last year.
Frank Schwindel homered for the Cubs, and Mills pitched 5 ⅔ innings of two-run ball.
The Marlins jumped in front on Magneuris Sierra’s RBI single in the fifth. But Schwindel tied it with his fifth homer in the sixth.
Anthony Bass gave Miami a lift with 1 ⅓ scoreless innings in relief. He entered with runners on first and third in the seventh and retired Rafael Ortega and Schwindel.
Sweet swinging: Miami outfielder Lewis Brinson went 2 for 4 for his sixth multihit game this month. The South Florida native has 19 hits in his last 13 games.
Hollerin’ hounds: The announced attendance of 10,262 included 406 pooches as the Marlins hosted their second Bark in the Park promotion in as many months.
Roster moves: Marlins: With Hernandez returning to the rotation from the 60-day IL, RHP David Hess was designated for assignment.
Trainer’s room: Marlins: INF Jon Berti (concussion) has intensified his workouts by fielding grounders and hitting in the cage.
Up next: The Marlins send LHP Braxton Garrett (1-1, 4.65 ERA) to the mound Monday night as they continue their homestand with a three-game set against Atlanta.