Wednesday night the big guy took to the mound for the Marlins, and the team cashed in an important victory to move back within 5 1/2 games of 1st place in the NL East. Josh Johnson has proven in the past that he is capable of using his entire 6’7″ 230lb frame to intimidate and dominate opposing batters, he did just that against the Atlanta Braves tonight.

Johnson allowed only 4 hits and 1 ER while striking out 8 in pitching a complete game. All in all it was a good night for the Marlins. The bats were consistent with Dan Uggla working his way out of his post All Star slump going 2-3 and hitting his 28th homerun of the season. Hanley Ramirez, who has been struggling with runners in scoring position, solidified the Marlins 4-1 victory by driving in two runs in the 5th.

Perhaps most importantly, Johnson’s complete game allowed a weary (and pitiful) bullpen to get a night off. After blowing a 3 run 9th inning lead last night, Gregg et al were allowed to kick back and watch Johnson blow smoke past the Braves batters. The bullpen could learn a thing or two from watching Johnson. In the 8th, with runners on 2nd and 3rd and the Marlins up 3-1, Johnson buckled down and struck out two in a row to retire the side and end the threat. Composure and poise in tight spots are what we need out of the bullpen, not shaky knees and wild pitches. Hope you boys were watching closely in the bullpen.