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  Friday, Mar. 31 1:05pm ET
Florida 7, Kansas City 3
 
  RECAP | BOX SCORE

MELBOURNE, Fla. (AP) _ Brant Brown, battling Mark Kotsay for Florida's starting right field job, went 3-for-4 with two RBIs as the Marlins beat Kansas City 7-3 Friday.

``He very well may have won himself a starting job,'' Marlins manager John Boles said of Brown, one of six players who missed part of spring training with a mumps-like virus. ``I've been very impressed with the way he's carried the bat. There's no doubt he'll help us at the plate. No doubt about that at all, he's a strong guy.''

While either Brown or Kotsay will start in right for Monday's season opener against San Francisco, the Marlins' first base job has been decided. At least for now.

Kevin Millar, who led the team with six home runs this spring, edged out Derrek Lee.

``I won't hesitate to make a change if I need to,'' Boles said. ``But Kevin has come in and done a great job. I wanted to go with the guy who hit the best and that was Kevin Millar.''

Florida has one scrimmage remaining, an exhibition game against the University of Miami on Saturday.

The Marlins got to Royals starter Jose Rosado for eight hits and six earned runs in five innings. Vladimir Nunez went six innings for the Marlins, allowing three hits and three earned runs.

The Marlins sent outfielder Mark Smith and pitcher Reid Cornelius to Triple-A Calgary. Cornelius was battling veteran Ricky Bones for the last spot in the Marlins bullpen.

``Right now I think Ricky is the best fit for the job,'' Boles said. ``He threw well for us and capitalized on his chance. Reid's still in the mix, though.''

 


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