The Marlins scored 11 runs on 11 hits, beating the Milwaukee Brewers 11-4. Jesus Sanchez earned his first win of the season, allowing six hits and four earned runs in five innings. Derrek Lee and Danny Bautista each homered. But the struggling Alex Gonzalez had the most important hit of the game, a two-run single with the bases loaded. Luis Castillo continued his steller play, going 2-4 with two walks, scoring three runs. With the win, the Marlins moved into a first place tie with Montreal in the National League East.

The Florida Marlins announced Tuesday they have acquired the contract of catcher Paul Bako from Houston in exchange for cash considerations and a player to be named later on or before October 10, 2000. The 27-year-old left-handed hitting catcher is 0x2 this season, with both at bats coming in the Astros’ 8-5 win over Philadelphia on April 8. Bako split time between Houston and AAA New Orleans in 1999, hitting .256 with 14 doubles, two home runs and 17 RBI in 73 games (63 starts) with the Astros last season. In his second game with Houston, Bako went 3×4 with two RBI on April 30 against Florida at Pro Player Stadium. He hit .316 (12×38) with seven doubles in 13 games in May. Sandy Martinez will probably be demoted to AAA.

Ryan Dempster struck out 9 and Mike Lowell drove in 4, as the Marlins beat the Rockies 7-6. Preston Wilson added a two-run homerun and Antonio Alfonseca earned the save. The Marlins used five different pitchers in the top of the eighth, eventually allowing the Rockies to cut the lead to 6-5, but Mike Lowell homered in the bottom of the eighth to give the Marlins a 2-run lead. Antonio Alfonseca pitched the ninth, walking two and allowing a run until he retired the final batter. John Boles altered his starting lineup, placing Mark Kotsay in the 2nd slot while dropping the slumping Alex Gonzalez to eigth. The win allowed the Marlins to win 2 out of 3 from the Rockies and record a 4-3 homestand. Last year, the Marlins did not win their 4th game until April 20.

The Cleveland Indians reclaimed Jared Camp after he failed to make the Marlins Major League Roster and was designated for assignment.

Former Atlanta Braves 1B Randall Simon signed a AAA contract with the Marlins. The 24 year old Simon batted .317 with 5 homeruns and 16 doubles in 90 games for the Braves (starting 55 in first base). Simon was told that he would join the team by June 1. For now, he’ll split time with Nate Rolison at Calgary.

Based on the action taken by Florida Governor Jeb Bush on Monday, April 3, 2000, the Florida Marlins announced that they will no longer pursue a Cruise Passenger Surcharge as part of their financing plan for a new ballpark in Bicentennial Park in Downtown Miami. “It is obvious that with the actions of the Governor it would be pointless for us to continue our efforts to secure a Cruise Passenger Surcharge in Tallahassee as part of our funding plan,” said Julio G. Rebull, Jr., Marlins Senior Vice President. “We commend the leadership demonstrated by our sponsors and would encourage others to join them in being part of a solution that makes baseball viable in South Florida.”

Alex Fernandez pitched 7 innings, allowing 3 runs, while Preston Wilson went 2-4 driving in 2, as the Marlins beat the San Fransisco Giants in the season opener 6-4. The sellout crowd of 35,101 saw the Marlins score 2 unearned runs in the fifth when Wilson singled in Mike Redmond and then Alex Gonzalez came in on a Barry Bonds Error. Antonio Alfonseca earned his first save of the season

The Florida Marlins announced Monday they have purchased the contracts of right-handed pitcher Ricky Bones and outfielder Mark Smith and designated for assignment right-handed pitcher Jared Camp and outfielder Derrick Gibson.

Governor Jeb Bush announced that he will veto a bill that would have allowed the voters of Miami-Dade county to vote on a Cruise Tax to fund the new Marlins ballpark. The governor, who claimed that he “longs for the glory days of Marlins’ baseball” did not know that today was opening day. Please write, call, e-mail, or fax the Governor expressing your disagreement with his decision:

Governor Jeb Bush
The Capitol
Tallahassee, FL 32399-0001

Telephone: (850) 488-4441
FAX (850) 487-0801
E-Mail: fl_governor@eog.state.fl.us

The Marlins finalized the roster by sending Derrick Gibson and Jared Camp to the minors. As a result, Mark Smith was recalled, completing the 25-man roster. John Boles has decided to go with 11 pitchers rather than the 12 expected. During a 12-6 victory over the University of Miami, Luis Castillo sprained his right ankle but will start on opening day. Dave Berg was placed on the disabled list, so Chris Clapinski was called up. John Boles has named Brant Brown as the starting rightfielder over Mark Kotsay. Opening Day Lineup (probable): Luis Castillo (2B), Alex Gonzalez (SS), Cliff Floyd (LF), Preston Wilson (CF), Mike Lowell (3B), Kevin Millar (1B), Brant Brown (RF), Mike Redmond (C), and Alex Fernandez (P),