Nicolino gave up only four hits and two walks while striking out two in seven innings. The 23-year-old called up from Triple-A New Orleans prior to Saturday night's matchup to replace scheduled starter Tom Koehler, who missed his start because of neck stiffness.
Nicolino matched the mark for the longest outing by a Marlins pitcher in his MLB debut, tying Brad Penny (April 7, 2000).
Not only was the win on Saturday the first of Nicolino's career, but it also came against former Double-A Jacksonville teammate and roommate Anthony DeSclafani.
DeSclafani cruised early on but ran into trouble in the fourth inning to pick up his first loss in his last six starts.