MARLINS MAINTAIN BEST NL RECORD DESPITE SWEEP BY PITTSBURGH

Although the Florida Marlins were swept in a three-game road series in Pittsburgh last week, the Miami team still has the best record in the National League at 11-4. Florida’s 7-4 loss at PNC Park on April 22 marked the fifth game in a row that the Marlins fell behind to start a contest after the Pirates’ Andy LaRoche doubled in Freddy Sanchez in the bottom of the first inning.

Wes Helms’ RBI double put the Marlins on the scoreboard in the top of the fourth and the game was eventually tied at 4-4 before the Pirates scored twice in the bottom of the sixth inning to take the lead for good. Florida had won 11 of their first 12 games before going into Pittsburgh.

Despite the three straight losses, Florida leads the NL East with an 11-4 record. St. Louis sits atop the Central Division at 10-5, while Los Angeles is likewise 10-5 to lead the West.