Vazquez' Two-Run Homer Helps Pirates Foil Marlins In Series Opener

July 4, 2009 4:06 p.m. EST

Miami, FL (AHN) - With his 10-game RBI streak on line, Florida Marlins' Hanley Ramirez looked to continue burning opposing pitchers and boost his teams' presence in the National League East.

Florida was the only one burnt in Friday's contest when both Ramirez and the Marlins (41-40) failed to top the Pittsburgh Pirates, losing 7-4 at Land Shark Stadium.

The Pirates (37-43) know how to manhandle the Marlins. They swept a three-game series in April.

Three months later, the Pirates embarked on a 4-0 lead to take an early command and looked to continue their dominance.

Pirates' Brandon Moss kicked the offense off with a homer off Marlins starter Chris Volstad (1-1).

During the second stanza, Andy LaRoche walked to set up Ramon Vazquez' two-run homer to put the Marlins deeper in the hole.

Volstad (5-8) could not settle down and Pittsburgh added another run for a four-run deficit before the second rain delay was issued.

The Marlins yanked Volstad and sent Tim Wood to the rubber in the fourth. Wood starved off the Pirates during his three innings of work.

The bullpen could not make up for the lack of heat generated at the plate due to Pirates starter Charlie Morton, who pitched six-scoreless innings, allowing one hit and striking out four.

Marlins pitcher Chris Leroux replaced Wood in the seventh inning, and was hammered for three runs to give the Pirates a comfortable 7-0 lead.

Florida answered back against Pirates reliever Joel Hanrahan, who allowed three runs on two hits.

Cody Ross doubled to center and John Baker followed with a double to deep left, scoring Ross.

Ross Gload later singled to right field for the second run.

Ross added his second double of the night to deep center field and Baker lifted a home run to right, cutting the Pirates lead to three off reliever Jeff Karstens.

The Marlins didn't get any closer.