Perrysburg's Badenhop loses in big league debut for Marlins

After 84 pitches, Burke Badenhop exited with the bases full and no outs in the sixth inning, trailing 3-1.

HOUSTON - The Florida Marlins may have lost a game yesterday, but they gained a starting pitcher.

While the result wasn't favorable, Burke Badenhop showed plenty in his first big league start to remain part of the rotation.

The 25-year-old surrendered four runs on seven hits - including homers to J.R. Towles and Michael Bourn - in five-plus innings in a 5-1 decision to the Houston Astros. He struck out three and walked one.

Badenhop is a 2001 graduate of Perrysburg High School, who played at Bowling Green State University from 2002-05.

For the most part, it was a solid first major league start for Badenhop, who is one of six players obtained from Detroit in December for Dontrelle Willis and Miguel Cabrera.

After 84 pitches, Badenhop exited with the bases full and no outs in the sixth inning, trailing 3-1.

Wandy Rodriguez worked seven strong innings to pick up the win for Houston. He struck out seven and allowed five hits.

"I thought he pitched terrific," Marlins manager Fredi Gonzalez said of Badenhop. "Unfortunately, Wandy pitched a little better."