KISSIMMEE, Fla. — Even after signing a few high-profile free agents in the offseason, the Miami Marlins are still looking to figure out their starting rotation.
Ricky Nolasco fits into what is expected to be a formidable group, but he struggled with his control in a 5-5, 10-inning tie with the Atlanta Braves on Thursday.
Nolasco, who went 10-12 with a 4.67 ERA in 33 starts for the Marlins last season, returns with the most wins of last season's Marlins staff.
He went 4 1/3 innings against the Braves and walked only two while giving up three runs, but he fell behind hitters throughout as his ERA climbed to 4.97.
Braves rookie shortstop Tyler Pastornicky, who has struggled all spring, broke out of his slump by going 4-for-5 with an RBI to lift his spring average to .224.
Brandon Beachy, part of a depleted Braves starting rotation until veteran Tim Hudson returns from the disabled list in May, allowed four runs in five innings. He walked one but was behind in the count most of the way.
Terry Tiffee homered off Beachy for the Marlins, and Freddie Freeman hit his first homer of the spring for the Braves.
Miami went ahead 5-4 in the top of the ninth when Nick Green doubled in a run, but the Braves tied it in the bottom of the ninth as Jordan Parraz, who doubled to open the inning, moved to third and scored on a passed ball.
Note: Atlanta RHP Arodys Vizcaino will require Tommy John surgery. He will miss the 2012 season and possibly some of the 2013 season.
Braves rally to tie Marlins

