After two starts this season, Josh Johnson had already proven his efficiency as a number one starter. He added to that Wednesday night shutting down the Atlanta Braves.
For the past couple seasons, Johnson has relied on his blazing fastball, changeup, and slider. On Wednesday he showcased a new curveball. Hitters have already been baffled by his hard throwing, but now there is a new weapon for them to be concerned about.
JJ threw 7 1/3 innings of no-hit ball marking the second time this season he has carried a no-hit bid into the seventh or later. The Marlins got the 5-1 win, and Logan Morrison got his third homer of the year.
Chipper Jones homered in the top of the ninth for his 1500th RBI, an historic mark. But other than that, the Braves offense was shut down by the Fish’s pitching. After Johnson’s exit, Ryan Webb finished the eighth without allowing a run. Despite Jones’ homer allowed by Randy Choate, the Marlins bullpen turned in another solid performance.
Last year, the bullpen struggled with control issues…not an issue this year. And the ‘pen has surrendered just ten earned runs in over 40 innings pitched.
If the pitching staff can stay this strong for the entire season, the Marlins can be some serious competitors in the division.
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