Marlins opportunistic when they homer

MIAMI — Manager Ozzie Guillen repeatedly says the Marlins are not a home-run hitting ballclub.

View from the back of the Marlins Park Home Run sculpture, which has been quiet on the homestand.

The numbers back up the claim, as Miami has hit 47 on the season, which is tied for 19th in the Majors. Giancarlo Stanton (13) and Hanley Ramirez (11) have 24 of those.

Still, Miami is the thick of the National East standings because they’ve been able to capitalize when they do go deep.

Entering Friday night, the Marlins have the fourth best winning percentage (.700) in the Majors in games where they hit at least one home run. They are 21-9.

In the first two games against the Braves, both losses, the Marlins scored one run. It wasn’t a homer, and they lost both games.

It’s no secret that the Marlins struggle with runners in scoring position. For the season, they are hitting .232 in RISP situations, which ranks 23 out of 30 teams.

The home run has been a weapon, and a reason why the team has had success.

BEST RECORDS WHEN HITTING A HOME RUN

1) Cincinnati Reds         24-6      .800

2) Cleveland Indians       21-8      .724

3) New York Yankees        31-12     .721

4) Miami Marlins           21-9      .700

5) St. Louis Cardinals     25-11     .694

(according to StatsPass)

– Joe Frisaro