Volstad Goes Five Innings, Marlins Lose 6-3 To Rays

JUPITER (CBS4) -- Chris Volstad became the first Florida starter to go five innings this spring, and he's feeling fine about his outing.

Volstad gave up a run and three hits in the Marlins' 6-3 loss to the Tampa Bay Rays on Wednesday.

"It was good to get out there for an extended amount of time," said Volstad, who threw 37 of his 56 pitches for strikes. "Another game with minimal three-ball counts."

Coming into the game, the Marlins' projected five-man rotation was averaging just 2.83 innings per start.

Rays slugger Manny Ramirez asked to make the cross-state trip after a big game Tuesday. He went 0 for 2 with a sac fly RBI.

Catcher John Buck hit his first home run, a solo shot in the second inning off Cory Wade. The Marlins are counting on Buck, who signed a three-year, $18 million contract in November, to at least match the 20 home runs he hit last year for the Toronto Blue Jays.

Chris Coghlan, who has been bothered by a sore throwing shoulder, made his first start in center field since March 7. He played six innings and went 1 for 3.

"We need to keep throwing him out there. He needs to work on his jumps and all of that," manager Edwin Rodriguez said.

The Marlins' three starting outfielders still have not played together in a Grapefruit League game this season. Right-fielder Mike Stanton, who strained his right quad on Feb. 27, had five at-bats Wednesday in a minor league intrasquad game.

Wade allowed one run on two this in 2 2-3 innings in an emergency start for the Rays. Wade replaced Wade Davis, who was scratched because of flulike symptoms.

Left fielder Sam Fuld, who's trying to win a bench spot, went 3 for 3 with a double and RBI for the Rays.