Preston Wilson hit a grand slam as the Marlins routed the New York Mets 9-1. Alex Fernandez pitched 6 strong innings allowing one run on five hits and hitting the go-ahead two-run double in the fourth. Derrek Lee and Alex Gonzalez singled in the fourth and scored on the Fernandez double. Braden Looper, Dan Miceli, and Antonio Alfonseca shut the Mets out for the last three innings. Luis Castillo, in his second game back from the DL went 2-3 with two walks, two runs, and three stolen bases. A crowd of 33,401 was the second largest crowd of the season.

The Florida Marlins host two playoff participants from a year ago, the National League Wild Card Champion New York Mets and the NL Champion Atlanta Braves, in a seven-game homestand at Pro Player Stadium beginning on Friday, May 5. The weekend series against the Mets features three exciting promotions, including Chevron Collector’s Pin #2, a Marlins Duffle Bag courtesy of Fox Sports Net and a Kids Baseball Glove, complements of Bank of America.

Preston Wilson homered, driving in three and scoring twice to help the Marlins end a 5-game losing streak with a 5-2 win over San Diego. Ryan Dempster was in control most of the game, throwing 7-1/3 strong innings, allowing 2 runs whils striking out 8. Mark Kotsay made two significant defensive plays. First he threw out former Marlin Eric Owens at third in the 8th inning and then he made a great catch in the bullpen in the 9th inning. Antonio Alfonseca closed the 9th inning for his major league leading ninth save.

The Florida Marlins recalled the injury rehab assignment and reinstated infielder David Berg from the 15-day disabled list and optioned the contract of infielder Chris Clapinski to AAA Calgary of the Pacific Coast League.

The Florida Marlins and United HealthCare have teamed up this season to offer a bus transport package from the Marlins En Miami store for various Saturday home games, starting April 22 when the Marlins host the Philadelphia Phillies. The package includes bus transportation to and from the game, one terrace box ticket and a food and beverage voucher which can be used at Fiesta Latina, the Marlins pre-game Latin celebration. The cost for the package is $15 and can only be purchased at the Marlins En Miami store starting April 15. Availability is limited to the first 250 fans.

Brad Penny pitched 7 innings allowing 3 runs while striking out 3 as the Marlins hammered the Pittsburgh Pirates 12-5. Eight different Marlins had 2 hits, Cliff Floyd, Preston Wilson, Mike Lowell, and Chris Clapinski all had 2 RBIs. Last season, the Marlins did not win their 9th game until May 11, 1999, their 33rd game.

Rick Williams has joined the organization as a Major League Scout. This is Williams’ second tenure with Florida, having served five years in the Marlins organization at both the Major League and Minor League level. Williams served as pitching coach for the Marlins AAA affiliate Charlotte Knights in 1997, was the Marlins’ assistant pitching coach in 1995-96 and served as the Marlins’ minor league pitching instructor in 1993-94. Williams most recently served as the pitching coach for the Tampa Bay Devil Rays from 1997-2000. In his new position, Williams will have a variety of responsibilities, including evaluating talent and advanced scouting at the Major League level. Williams signed a three-year contract through the 2002 season.

The Florida Marlins open their second homestand of the 2000 season on Tuesday, April 18, featuring the only visits of the season by the Pittsburgh Pirates and NL East rival Philadelphia Phillies and the final two home games of the season against the San Francisco Giants. The weekend series against the Phillies is highlighted by three exciting promotions, including Player Magnet #1 featuring Mark Kotsay, kids batting practice jerseys and baseball card holders.