Ricky Nolasco: 6.0 IP, 2 ER.
Bullpen: 3.0 IP, 4 ER.

It’s funny. Statistically, Reynel Pinto is equal to, if not better than, the majority of Major League relievers. Why is it, then, that whenever he’s on the mound, it always seems to feel like the Marlins are 6 pitches away from blowing a game?

Oh, right. Because they are.

Before Wednesday night’s game against the Cardinals, Pinto had given up at least a run in less than one full inning, four of the last 6 times on the mound. Those stats wouldn’t get any better as Reynel gave up another 2 runs in 2/3 of an inning, and collected a loss in the process. He wasn’t alone, though. Pitching an inning a piece, Justin Miller and Joe Nelson each gave up a run, contributing to the bullpen meltdown in the Cards 6-4 defeat of the Fish.

Hanley Ramirez and Mike Jacobs led the Marlins offense, going a combined 3 for 7, with 3 RBI and 2 runs scored, but it was no match for the Cardinals, who posted 18 hits of their own on the night.

You know what would’ve helped? Someone locating the real Dan Uggla and reminding him that the season is 162-games long. Since the All Star break, Uggla is batting a solid .162 with just 12 hits in 74 plate appearances. Of those 12 hits, 3 have been homers. (Which would be good if it weren’t spread out over a 25-game span.)

Making things worse, both the Mets and Phillies picked up wins on the night.

AP Photo/J. Pat Carter