MIAMI, April 8 (UPI) -- Tony Armas came within two outs of his first major league complete game Monday night and Michael Barrett homered and collected a career-high five RBI as the Montreal Expos spoiled the Florida Marlins' home opener, 10-2.
Florida manager Jeff Torborg was ejected during a wild fourth inning after second base umpire Tim McClelland overruled third base umpire Chuck Meriwether and said Mike Lowell's apparent three-run homer was foul.
The runs already were credited to the Marlins on the scoreboard and fireworks were set off above the ballpark. But the real fireworks ensued as Torborg was ejected and many in the crowd of 23,877 pelted the field with magnetic schedules that were distributed as part of an Opening Night promotion.
Following a seven-minute delay, Lowell bounced into a double play.
Armas (1-1) gave up two runs and four hits in 8 1/3 innings with three walks and seven strikeouts, lowering his ERA from 7.20 to 4.05. Britt Reames got the last two outs for Montreal, which squared the season series after losing two of three at home.
No one has enjoyed facing the Marlins more than Barrett, who has hit all three of his home runs this season against Florida. He delivered the big blow on Monday night with a three-run blast in the fifth off starter A.J. Burnett (1-1).
