MIAMI _ Just over a month into the season Caleb Smith has clearly established himself not only as the Marlins ace, but as one of the top starters in the National League.
On Wednesday against the Indians, the left-hander was dominant once again, limiting Cleveland to one run over seven innings as Miami won the series finale, 4-2. Sergio Romo closed it out in the ninth, improving to 5 for 5 in save opportunities.
Smith (3-0) scattered just four hits and two walks on the night, matching a career-high of seven innings. The 28-year-old, aptly nicknamed "Dr. K" struck out a season-high eight batters, lowering his ERA to 2.00. With Wednesday's performance, Smith logged his fifth consecutive quality start.
The left-hander has been especially impressive in his last four outings. He's pitched at least six innings in those starts, allowing one or zero earned runs. For the season, he's tallied eight strikeouts in four of his six starts.
Smith's stellar start to 2019 comes after he missed the second half of his promising rookie season with shoulder surgery. Entering Wednesday night, Smith ranked in the top five among National League pitchers in ERA, WHIP, opposing batting average and strikeout percentage.
Rosell Herrera led the Marlins at the plate, finishing 2 for 3 with a double and three RBIs. The reserve utility man, who started in center field, had three RBIs for the season entering Wednesday night.
Brian Anderson and Miguel Rojas each logged multi-hit games as well.
At the plate, the Marlins were able to ding Cy Young winner Corey Kluber for three earned runs on eight hits in 4 2/3 innings. Kluber was forced to leave the game in the fifth inning after being drilled on his right arm by an Anderson line drive _ 102.2 MPH off the bat. After being examined by medical personnel, he quickly exited the contest.
