Marlins Take Series Against Phillies Before All-Star Break with Strong Offensive Performances

The Miami Marlins wrapped up their last series before the All-Star break on a high note, taking two out of three games against the Philadelphia Phillies. Coming off a successful four-game series against the St. Louis Cardinals, where they won three out of four games, the Marlins continued their strong play against the Phillies, securing their 53rd win before the break.

Game one proved to be a heartbreaking loss for the Marlins as they squandered a stellar performance by Sandy Alcantara. Alcantara pitched 6.2 innings, allowing just one earned run and leaving the mound with the Marlins enjoying a 3-1 lead. However, in the 9th inning, the Phillies made a comeback. J.T. Realmuto hit a single against A.J. Puk, advancing to second base on a wild pitch. Alec Bohm’s subsequent double scored Realmuto, cutting the Marlins’ lead to 3-2. The real blow came when Christian Pache hit a two-run shot, giving the Phillies a 4-3 lead that they would hold onto. Despite Alcantara’s outstanding effort, the Marlins couldn’t secure the win, as Puk allowed three runs in the 9th inning.

In game two, the Marlins bounced back and emerged victorious with a 5-3 win. Braxton Garrett took the mound for Miami, pitching five innings and allowing just three runs. Jorge Soler played a pivotal role, tying the game at one with a solo home run in the bottom of the first. Later in the inning, Dane Myers’ RBI single drove in two runs, giving the Marlins a 3-1 lead. Although the Phillies managed to tie the game at three in the second inning, Soler’s sacrifice fly in the fourth inning put the Marlins ahead once again at 4-3. An insurance run was added in the seventh inning when Luis Arraez delivered an RBI single. A.J. Puk closed out the game, earning his 15th save of the year and ending the Phillies’ franchise-record-tying 13-game road winning streak.

The rubber match of the series saw the Marlins secure a convincing 7-3 victory. Jesus Luzardo delivered another quality start, pitching 6.1 innings and allowing only two runs while striking out nine batters. Jesus Sanchez got the Marlins off to an early lead with a home run in the first inning, and the team never looked back. Dane Myers had a memorable performance, hitting his first career home run and contributing to two of the Marlins’ seven runs. However, the standout of the game was Bryan De La Cruz, who homered, doubled, tallied four hits, drove in two runs, and crossed home plate twice, providing a phenomenal offensive display that propelled the Marlins past the Phillies. The Marlins bullpen closed out the game, allowing just one more run.

Currently, the Marlins boast the second-best record in the National League and hold a 0.5-game lead in the NL Wild Card race. Their impressive performance against the Phillies adds to their strong first half of the season. The All-Star break provides a well-deserved opportunity for the Marlins to rest and regroup before resuming their pursuit of a playoff spot.

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