MIAMI — Marlins starter Josh Beckett had the shortest outing of his career Wednesday night, working one-plus inning before leaving with the Reds leading 6-0.

        Beckett (2-3), who has been the Marlins' most consistent pitcher, allowed seven runs on eight hits. He was pulled before recording an out in the second inning.

        Beckett has been bothered by blisters, but he didn't blame them for his bad outing.

        “I would never look for excuses,” Beckett said. “It was one of those nights. I hope my number never gets called again.”

        Beckett's problem was his control — or lack of it. He left many of his pitches up in the zone, and Cincinnati's hitters made him pay for those mistakes.

        “I wanted to stay out there,” Beckett said. “Anytime you come out like that, it's embarrassing.”

        “You don't come out of a game like that and just swallow it right away. It stays with you. It's probably the hardest inning I've ever had to go through,” he said.

        “At first I wondered if he might be hurt,” Florida manager Jeff Torborg said. “It doesn't look good to begin with.”

        “The blister is fine. He just couldn't get the ball down, and that's a club that's for real. If you get the ball up against their hitters, they're going to smoke you.”

Reds free of steroids, team doctors says DAUGHERTY: Jocks on juice not huge secret Former user, now doctor gives steroid warning Thomas wants steroid testing Reds 8, Marlins 2 Reds Box, Runs Dunn's walk record broken Reds Notebook: Walker on career-best streak Marlins starter has short, agonizing night Astros 10, Cardinals 5 Braves battered for visit here Diamondbacks 7, Giants 3 Padres 11, Rockies 3 Angels 12, Royals 2 Twins safe from contraction

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