Marlins end Arizona's Webb's winning streak

[May 22, 2008]  MIAMI (AP) -- Webb (9-1) was bidding to become only the third pitcher since World War I to win his first 10 starts. Instead, he left for a pinch hitter after allowing six hits and three runs in seven innings.

Matt Treanor bunted in a run for a 1-1 tie in the fifth inning, and Cody Ross followed with a homer. Stephen Drew hit his sixth homer for the Diamondbacks, but that's all the offense they could muster against Nolasco (3-3).

Florida won for the second straight night in the matchup of first-place teams. The NL West-leading Diamondbacks came into the series with the best record in the majors, but they have totaled three runs and 10 hits in the first two games against the Marlins, who lead the NL East despite baseball's lowest payroll.

Arizona had runners at the corners with one out in the eighth, but Matt Lindstrom struck out Orlando Hudson and Conor Jackson. Kevin Gregg completed the four-hitter with a perfect ninth for his second save in as many nights, and his ninth in 10 chances.

The Diamondbacks struck out 11 times.

Webb retired the first 11 batters and took a 1-0 lead into the fifth, when the Marlins scored twice to take the lead. Luis Gonzalez tripled with one out, then took off on a 1-0 pitch as Treanor bunted up the first-base line. Gonzalez scored standing up and Treanor was tagged out.

Ross then hit his fifth homer, pulling a 2-0 pitch over the scoreboard. It was only the third home run allowed by Webb this season.

Florida added a run in the seventh on Dan Uggla's double and a single by Gonzalez.

Drew homered to lead off the fourth and had three of Arizona's four hits.

The Marlins won without slumping shortstop Hanley Ramirez, held out of the lineup for the first time this season. Ramirez, who signed a $70 million, six-year contract extension Saturday, was 1-for-15 with 10 strikeouts in the past four games.

Notes: Orlando Magic coach Stan Van Gundy wore a Marlins T-shirt to the game and visited beforehand with Florida manager Fredi Gonzalez, a longtime friend. ... Over the past five games, the Diamondbacks are 1-for-40 the first time through the order with 14 strikeouts.

[Associated Press; By STEVEN WINE]

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