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Marlins spring training attendance up 18 percent

JUPITER, Fla. (AP) The Miami Marlins' offseason investment in talent paid dividends at their spring training ticket office.

Even with Wednesday's announced crowd of 3,304 - the smallest of the exhibition season - the Marlins drew an average of 5,071 fans to Roger Dean Stadium for their 14 home games. That's an 18 percent increase from 2014, when Miami averaged 4,306 fans.

''Every game has been packed - that's the first time I've seen that,'' said closer Steve Cishek, who has been with the Marlins since 2010. ''It's been pretty cool -- a lot different, that's for sure.''

The Marlins sold out four games, compared with two a year ago. They've finished last in the NL in regular-season attendance nine of the past 10 years.