MIAMI _ South Florida has curbed its enthusiasm for the Marlins. The national audience delights in every misstep of the team and its formerly revered novice CEO.
The team that seemingly nobody loves is somehow seemingly unaffected.
The Marlins were a decidedly upbeat bunch as they began a six-game homestand Friday riding their first two-game winning streak of the year that concluded a 3-6 three-city trip.
They had their clubhouse leader Martin Prado back at third base and others on the brink of returning from injury absences, including the possibility of Wei-Yin Chen starting Saturday for the first time in almost a year.
Unfortunately, Prado couldn't provide a spark in his first game since injuring his knee July 17 and undergoing surgery 11 days later.
The Marlins slipped back into their hitting funk, generating only six hits in a 1-0 defeat against the Rockies.
Prado went 0-for-4, though he hit two line-drive outs. He came up with a runner on in the eighth and tried to go the opposite way, but his liner to right field was easy picking for David Dahl.
Miami got an outstanding start from Jose Urena, who gave up only one run and six hits in seven innings.
It was the fifth consecutive outing of allowing two or fewer runs by a Marlins starter and matched Urena's best of the season. But he received no run support, and the run he allowed came on a hit by the opposing pitcher.
The Rockies turned the misfortune of starter Tyler Anderson having to leave in the second inning with an apparent side injury into an advantage.
Not only did Antonio Senzanela hold the Marlins to one hit in 3 2/3 innings, he drove in the only run of the game by bouncing a double down the left-field line with two outs in the fifth. It followed an intentional walk.
The 23-year-old Venezuelan had some success at the plate while making 20 starts last season, driving in five runs. He got out front of Urena's 94-mph fastball to drive in his first of the season.
Urena countered with a double in the fifth, Miami's only hit off Senzatela. J.T. Realmuto left him on the bases with an inning-ending groundout.
The Marlins had two runners on in the seventh but pinch-hitter Tomas Telis grounded out against reliever Adam Ottavino.
Reliever Nick Wittgren kept hope of a late-inning turnaround by striking out Trevor Story with the bases loaded to end the eighth.
Miami got two men on with one out in the bottom of the inning. Ottavino struck out Brian Anderson swinging at a slider that he couldn't reach as it broke outside, then got Justin Bour looking at a fastball up in the zone.
Prado's teammates are anticipating the veteran will give the team a lift with his bat, once he shakes the rust off, and his leadership skills.
Prado, who played for the best team in the Florida State League in his rehab stint with Class A Jupiter, was frustrated by having to watch from afar as the Marlins staggered to a 7-17 start.
"I just see guys grinding at-bats, not letting results from the beginning of the season (be) how this team is going to be moving forward. I think the talent is there, the passion, the preparation _ how these guys are preparing every day," Prado said.
With reinforcements coming off the disabled list, Marlins manager Don Mattingly pointed out that the club that was envisioned is finally starting to take shape.
It remains to be seen if that will make a difference in the overall result.
On a rainy night with South Florida focused on the NFL draft, it was another meager turnout (5,931) at the ballpark. There were some enthusiastic adolescent fans chanting "Let's go, Marlins" behind home plate, as well as some energetic young dancers displaying their moves.
As too often so far this season, there was no go in the Marlins' offense again.
