The Cleveland Guardians struggled to get the big hit last night, but they almost got the big sacrifice fly.

With the score tied 2-2 in the eighth, Daniel Schneemann pinch-hit for Austin Hedges and hit a triple to left field. Tyler Freeman drew a one-out walk.

Jose Ramirez tried to add to his RBI lead (60) with a deep fly to right field. Schneemann tagged up and broke for home plate.

Miami right fielder Dane Myers, a former pitcher, unleashed a cannon shot and nailed Schneemann at the plate for an inning-ending double play.

The Marlins scored the winning run in the bottom of the eighth with three solid hits off the Guardians’ fireballing reliever Cade Smith (3-2). Jazz Chisholm Jr. singled to bring home Jake Burger.

THIRD-INNING BOMBS

Both teams went homer-happy in the third inning. Cleveland shortstop Bryan Rocchio hit his first big-league home run to score Hedges.

However, the Marlins tied the score with back-to-back jacks by Bryan de la Cruz and former Guardian Josh Bell.

Those were two of only four hits off Cleveland starter Logan Allen, who lasted six innings.

Cleveland’s lead in the American League Central Division shrunk to three games, as the Kansas City Royals outslugged the Seattle Mariners 10-9.

MORE FROM MIAMI

The Guardians will try to even the score with the Fish tonight at 7:35 p.m. Ben Lively (5-2) will start for Cleveland against Roddery Munoz (1-1).