Cliff Lee continued his dominant June once again, tossing his third consecutive complete game shutout against the vaunted Boston offense as the Phillies took game one 5-0.
Lee kept Boston off balance all night, allowing just two hits, two walks and five strikeouts. Lee improved to 5-0 in five June starts, with a 0.21 ERA . That's one run allowed in 42 innings. His scoreless streak increased to 32 innings, which is the fifth longest in franchise history. The record of 41 2/3 is held by Grover Cleveland Alexander. If Lee were to toss a fourth consecutive complete game shutout in his next outing, he'd still be just shy of the record, needing one more inning to surpass Alexander.
Lee had a no hitter through five innings, before Marco Scutaro led-off the sixth with a single. Darnell McDonald picked up Boston's only other hit.
Josh Beckett was making his first start since June 15, when he threw a one-hit complete game shutout. His following start was scratched because he was battling the flu. Beckett was not quite as sharp this time around as the Phils got to him early.
Domonic Brown hit a two-run shot into the Phillies' bullpen in the second inning, his fifth of the season. Lee helped his own cause by tacking on his fifth RBI of the season on a sacrifice fly in the fifth. Shane Victorino sealed the deal in the sixth with a two-run shot of his own, his ninth of the year.
Beckett dropped to 6-3 while Lee improved to 9-5.
Many expect David Ortiz to make his first start of the year during Interleague Play at first base, with Adrian Gonzalez attempting the outfield for the first time in his career. Vance Worley could have his hands full.
Wednesday, June 29, 2011
Tuesday, June 28, 2011
Could/Should the Phillies get Happ Back?
J.A. Happ was terrific for the Phillies whenever they called upon him. He always seemed to be the tough luck last man out. He'd narrowly miss the roster out of camp despite pitching his tail off, or be banished to the bullpen after several tremendous starts. He's not a stud pitcher, probably never will be, but Happ was very good for the Fightins'. A big piece in the Roy Oswalt deal last year, Happ departed for Houston, once again being the tough luck man out of Philly.
Things haven't gone as smoothly for Happ with the Astros. After starting 2010 with the Phillies 1-0 with a 1.76 ERA, he declined but pitched solid in a Stros' uniform, going 5-4 with a 3.75 ERA.
This year, however, has been an entirely different story for Happ. He's 3-9 with a 5.54 ERA in 16 starts.
Why, you ask, would the Phillies want a 3-9 pitcher with a 5+ ERA?
Imagine pitching very well for a contending team, a team, that won a World Series and appeared in another while you were on the team, only to be traded to the Houston Astros, essentially guaranteeing an early finish to each season. That's not going to give many players much motivation.
Happ is still young, and could flourish once again with a change of scenery. The Phillies have much better coaching and personal than Houston, and with the injury issues of Roy Oswalt and Joe Blanton, the team could use some extra insurance. Happ's price tag is also unlikely to ever be lower than it is now.
Houston has little need for a struggling middle of the rotation pitcher. The Phillies, however, have seen the upside in Happ and could once again. Could be a good time for Ruben Amaro Jr. to reach out to our old "pal" Ed Wade.
Things haven't gone as smoothly for Happ with the Astros. After starting 2010 with the Phillies 1-0 with a 1.76 ERA, he declined but pitched solid in a Stros' uniform, going 5-4 with a 3.75 ERA.
This year, however, has been an entirely different story for Happ. He's 3-9 with a 5.54 ERA in 16 starts.
Why, you ask, would the Phillies want a 3-9 pitcher with a 5+ ERA?
Imagine pitching very well for a contending team, a team, that won a World Series and appeared in another while you were on the team, only to be traded to the Houston Astros, essentially guaranteeing an early finish to each season. That's not going to give many players much motivation.
Happ is still young, and could flourish once again with a change of scenery. The Phillies have much better coaching and personal than Houston, and with the injury issues of Roy Oswalt and Joe Blanton, the team could use some extra insurance. Happ's price tag is also unlikely to ever be lower than it is now.
Houston has little need for a struggling middle of the rotation pitcher. The Phillies, however, have seen the upside in Happ and could once again. Could be a good time for Ruben Amaro Jr. to reach out to our old "pal" Ed Wade.
Thursday, June 23, 2011
Lee blanks Cards for 2nd straight shutout
Cliff Lee's dominant June continued last night, with his second consecutive complete game shut-out, in a 4-0 victory over the Cardinals.
Lee struck out just three and walked one, but allowed just six hits and no runs to lower his ERA to 2.87. The night didn't start out great for Lee, who uncharacteristically threw his first seven pitches out of the strike zone. But Lee regrouped, improving his June record to 4-0.
His ERA in June is 0.27 with 33 innings pitched, 19 hits allowed, 24 strikeouts and six walks.
Jimmy Rollins and Ryan Howard each hit home runs in the fourth, and Shane Victorino tacked on his eighth triple of the year.
Roy Oswalt looks to complete the sweep tonight, and the Phillies hope Chris Carpenter's struggles continue, at least for one more start.
Lee struck out just three and walked one, but allowed just six hits and no runs to lower his ERA to 2.87. The night didn't start out great for Lee, who uncharacteristically threw his first seven pitches out of the strike zone. But Lee regrouped, improving his June record to 4-0.
His ERA in June is 0.27 with 33 innings pitched, 19 hits allowed, 24 strikeouts and six walks.
Jimmy Rollins and Ryan Howard each hit home runs in the fourth, and Shane Victorino tacked on his eighth triple of the year.
Roy Oswalt looks to complete the sweep tonight, and the Phillies hope Chris Carpenter's struggles continue, at least for one more start.
Monday, June 20, 2011
Vargas blanks Phils who drop series in Seattle
The Phillies dropped two of three in Seattle over the weekend. The Mariners took the series yesterday behind a dominant performance from Jason Vargas who threw a three-hit complete game shutout. The Phillies really never threatened Vargas, who struck out six and walk two in the 2-0 victory.
Cole Hamels was the tough luck loser, matching zeros on the scoreboard with Vargas until the sixth. Hamels lasted 6.1 innings, allowing two runs on seven hits, no walks and six strikeouts.
Oddly enough, the least favorable pitching match-up for the Phillies; Saturday's contest of Felix Hernandez vs. Vance Worley, turned out to be the only game the Phillies won in the series.
The Phillies are still holding a comfortable five game lead over the second place Atlanta Braves in the NL East.
They have the night off before opening a three-game set in St. Louis against the Cardinals tomorrow. Here's a look at the probables:
Tuesday: Roy Halladay (9-3 2.56) vs. Kyle McClellan (6-3 3.96)
Halladay is coming off an outing against the Marlins in which he allowed four earned runs, which is tied for the most he's allowed in a game this season. He'll take his second shot at win number ten tomorrow, after picking up a no decision in the Florida outing which snapped a three-game win streak.
This is McClellan's second start back from the disabled list. He took the loss on June 15 against Washington, allowing five runs (three earned) in five innings. McClellan started the season 4-0 with a 3.23 ERA in April, but fell off to 2-2 with a 4.38 ERA in May before being placed on the shelf.
Wednesday: Cliff Lee (7-5 3.12) vs. Kyle Lohse (7-3 2.88)
Lee has been dominant of late. He's 3-0 in June, with a 0.38 ERA and 21 strikeouts in 24 innings pitched. He pitched a dominant two-hit complete game shutout against the Marlins in his last outing.
Lohse started the season on a terrific note, going 4-1 with a 1.64 ERA in April and 3-1 with a 2.57 ERA in May. However, in June, Lohse is 0-1 with a 6.48 ERA. He's allowed four earned runs in each of his last three starts, and has served up five home runs over that span after allowing just three in the first two months of the season.
Thursday: Roy Oswalt (4-5 3.38) vs. Chris Carpenter (1-7 4.47)
Oswalt has struggled since his return from the DL, going 1-4. He's received terrible run support, but has also allowed an unusually high number of base runners. He's 1-3 in June with a 4.81 ERA.
Carpenter usually form's one of the games most dynamic one-two punches with Adam Wainwright at the top of the St. Louis rotation. But Wainwright is out for the year, and Carpenter is having his worst year since 2002 thus far. In May, he was 1-3 with a 5.12 ERA. In June, he's gone 0-2 with a 4.30 ERA. In his last two starts, he's allowed ten runs (nine earned). Carpenter is certainly the type of pitcher capable of turning around his season at any point. The Phillies are hoping it happens after they depart St. Louis.
Cole Hamels was the tough luck loser, matching zeros on the scoreboard with Vargas until the sixth. Hamels lasted 6.1 innings, allowing two runs on seven hits, no walks and six strikeouts.
Oddly enough, the least favorable pitching match-up for the Phillies; Saturday's contest of Felix Hernandez vs. Vance Worley, turned out to be the only game the Phillies won in the series.
The Phillies are still holding a comfortable five game lead over the second place Atlanta Braves in the NL East.
They have the night off before opening a three-game set in St. Louis against the Cardinals tomorrow. Here's a look at the probables:
Tuesday: Roy Halladay (9-3 2.56) vs. Kyle McClellan (6-3 3.96)
Halladay is coming off an outing against the Marlins in which he allowed four earned runs, which is tied for the most he's allowed in a game this season. He'll take his second shot at win number ten tomorrow, after picking up a no decision in the Florida outing which snapped a three-game win streak.
This is McClellan's second start back from the disabled list. He took the loss on June 15 against Washington, allowing five runs (three earned) in five innings. McClellan started the season 4-0 with a 3.23 ERA in April, but fell off to 2-2 with a 4.38 ERA in May before being placed on the shelf.
Wednesday: Cliff Lee (7-5 3.12) vs. Kyle Lohse (7-3 2.88)
Lee has been dominant of late. He's 3-0 in June, with a 0.38 ERA and 21 strikeouts in 24 innings pitched. He pitched a dominant two-hit complete game shutout against the Marlins in his last outing.
Lohse started the season on a terrific note, going 4-1 with a 1.64 ERA in April and 3-1 with a 2.57 ERA in May. However, in June, Lohse is 0-1 with a 6.48 ERA. He's allowed four earned runs in each of his last three starts, and has served up five home runs over that span after allowing just three in the first two months of the season.
Thursday: Roy Oswalt (4-5 3.38) vs. Chris Carpenter (1-7 4.47)
Oswalt has struggled since his return from the DL, going 1-4. He's received terrible run support, but has also allowed an unusually high number of base runners. He's 1-3 in June with a 4.81 ERA.
Carpenter usually form's one of the games most dynamic one-two punches with Adam Wainwright at the top of the St. Louis rotation. But Wainwright is out for the year, and Carpenter is having his worst year since 2002 thus far. In May, he was 1-3 with a 5.12 ERA. In June, he's gone 0-2 with a 4.30 ERA. In his last two starts, he's allowed ten runs (nine earned). Carpenter is certainly the type of pitcher capable of turning around his season at any point. The Phillies are hoping it happens after they depart St. Louis.
Friday, June 17, 2011
Lee's CG SO completes sweep
The Phillies and Cliff Lee took care of business yesterday, finishing off the four game sweep over the Marlins with a 3-0 victory.
Lee was tremendous from start to finish. He pitched a complete game two-hit shut-out en route to his seventh victory of the year. Lee didn't strike out many batters, just four, which allowed him to keep his pitch count down and cruise through the afternoon.
It took the Marlins until the fifth inning to come up with a base hit against Lee, when Mike Stanton hit a two-out single.
The Phils had just taken the lead the previous inning, thanks to a two-out, RBI double by Lee, smoking a ball off the wall in right-center field which allowed Michael Martinez to score all the way from first.
Lee gave himself a run and that was all he needed, although Ryan Howard tacked on a solo shot in the fifth and Jimmy Rollins hit an RBI double in the sixth.
The sweep pushed Florida (32-37) 11.5 games behind the Phils and in sole possession of last place in the NL East. Meanwhile, the Phillies have built a five game lead over the second place Atlanta Braves.
Following the game, the Phillies designated J.C. Romero for assignment, closing his tenure with the Phils. He was a valued asset in 2007 and 2008 after Boston let him go, but command has been a major issue for Romero and with the emergence of lefty Antonio Bastardo, it was time to let Romero go.
The Phillies are in Seattle this weekend as Interleague play kicks off across Major League Baseball once again. There are some interesting storylines, including Raul Ibanez's return to Seattle. Here's a look at the probables:
Tonight: Roy Oswalt (4-4 3.14) vs. Michael Pineda (6-4 2.72)
Oswalt snapped a four-game losing streak in his last outing against the Cubs, allowing three runs over seven innings. He's 1-0 in two career starts against the Mariners.
Pineda kicked off his career by going 4-1 in April with a 2.01 ERA. The big hard throwing rookie went 2-1 with a 2.81 ERA in May but is coming off the worst start of his career. Against Detroit on June 11, he lasted just 5.1 innings, allowing six runs (five earned) on eight hits, one walk and four strikeouts. He has 80 strikeouts in 82.2 innings this year, and just 23 walks. He's been a very good pitcher all year.
Saturday: Vance Worley (2-1 3.75) vs. Felix Hernandez (7-5 3.30)
Worley is back with the club, making his first start since he was demolished by the Mets on May 29. He lasted just three innings, allowed eight runs (five earned) on 12 hits. Until that point, he'd been 2-0 with a 2.14 ERA. Since his demotion, he's been lights out in Triple-A and is looking to prove he belongs with the big club. He has quite a task on his hands, as he opposes one of the game's most dominant arms.
Hernandez is one of the game's most electric starters, and arguably has the best stuff of any starter. His 103 strikeouts ranks fifth in MLB, and second in the AL. Hernandez is not having his typical year thus far. Last season he was 13-12 with 2.27 ERA and 232 strikeouts. In 2009, he was 19-5 with a 2.49 ERA and 217 strikeouts. He is truly one of the game's best and should be an interesting test for a Phillies offense that is starting to hit the ball again.
Sunday: Cole Hamels (9-2 2.49) vs. Jason Vargas (4-4 4.13)
Hamels has been the best left handed pitcher in baseball this year, and one of the game's best. He pitched seven great innings against the Marlins in his last start before leaving with back tightness. He says he's good to go and the Phillies certainly hope this is the case. He has 97 strikeouts in 97.2 innings, ranking fourth in the NL in K's behind teammates Roy Halladay and Cliff Lee, and Clayton Kershaw of the Dodgers.
Vargas is coming off a 6-3 loss to the Angels in which he allowed five runs in seven innings. He's gone seven or more innings in seven of his last nine outings. The lefty is a solid veteran pitcher that eats innings and keeps his team in the ball game.
Lee was tremendous from start to finish. He pitched a complete game two-hit shut-out en route to his seventh victory of the year. Lee didn't strike out many batters, just four, which allowed him to keep his pitch count down and cruise through the afternoon.
It took the Marlins until the fifth inning to come up with a base hit against Lee, when Mike Stanton hit a two-out single.
The Phils had just taken the lead the previous inning, thanks to a two-out, RBI double by Lee, smoking a ball off the wall in right-center field which allowed Michael Martinez to score all the way from first.
Lee gave himself a run and that was all he needed, although Ryan Howard tacked on a solo shot in the fifth and Jimmy Rollins hit an RBI double in the sixth.
The sweep pushed Florida (32-37) 11.5 games behind the Phils and in sole possession of last place in the NL East. Meanwhile, the Phillies have built a five game lead over the second place Atlanta Braves.
Following the game, the Phillies designated J.C. Romero for assignment, closing his tenure with the Phils. He was a valued asset in 2007 and 2008 after Boston let him go, but command has been a major issue for Romero and with the emergence of lefty Antonio Bastardo, it was time to let Romero go.
The Phillies are in Seattle this weekend as Interleague play kicks off across Major League Baseball once again. There are some interesting storylines, including Raul Ibanez's return to Seattle. Here's a look at the probables:
Tonight: Roy Oswalt (4-4 3.14) vs. Michael Pineda (6-4 2.72)
Oswalt snapped a four-game losing streak in his last outing against the Cubs, allowing three runs over seven innings. He's 1-0 in two career starts against the Mariners.
Pineda kicked off his career by going 4-1 in April with a 2.01 ERA. The big hard throwing rookie went 2-1 with a 2.81 ERA in May but is coming off the worst start of his career. Against Detroit on June 11, he lasted just 5.1 innings, allowing six runs (five earned) on eight hits, one walk and four strikeouts. He has 80 strikeouts in 82.2 innings this year, and just 23 walks. He's been a very good pitcher all year.
Saturday: Vance Worley (2-1 3.75) vs. Felix Hernandez (7-5 3.30)
Worley is back with the club, making his first start since he was demolished by the Mets on May 29. He lasted just three innings, allowed eight runs (five earned) on 12 hits. Until that point, he'd been 2-0 with a 2.14 ERA. Since his demotion, he's been lights out in Triple-A and is looking to prove he belongs with the big club. He has quite a task on his hands, as he opposes one of the game's most dominant arms.
Hernandez is one of the game's most electric starters, and arguably has the best stuff of any starter. His 103 strikeouts ranks fifth in MLB, and second in the AL. Hernandez is not having his typical year thus far. Last season he was 13-12 with 2.27 ERA and 232 strikeouts. In 2009, he was 19-5 with a 2.49 ERA and 217 strikeouts. He is truly one of the game's best and should be an interesting test for a Phillies offense that is starting to hit the ball again.
Sunday: Cole Hamels (9-2 2.49) vs. Jason Vargas (4-4 4.13)
Hamels has been the best left handed pitcher in baseball this year, and one of the game's best. He pitched seven great innings against the Marlins in his last start before leaving with back tightness. He says he's good to go and the Phillies certainly hope this is the case. He has 97 strikeouts in 97.2 innings, ranking fourth in the NL in K's behind teammates Roy Halladay and Cliff Lee, and Clayton Kershaw of the Dodgers.
Vargas is coming off a 6-3 loss to the Angels in which he allowed five runs in seven innings. He's gone seven or more innings in seven of his last nine outings. The lefty is a solid veteran pitcher that eats innings and keeps his team in the ball game.
Thursday, June 16, 2011
Phils sweep twin bill
Yesterday was a good day for the Phillies, who swept the day-night double-header and have taken the first three games of the series from Florida. Each game was very different.
In the first game, Elih Villanueva made his Major League debut and it was a memorable one for him. Just for all the wrong reasons.
He lasted just three innings, allowed eight runs on five hits and five walks with two strikeouts. He threw 92 pitches, 52 strikes and 40 balls.
Leading 2-1 in the third, the Phils put a six spot on the board to chase Villanueva from the game. They had just two hits in the inning, but made them count. Wilson Valdez came up with a huge bases clearing three-run triple, after a hit by pitch, a walk and an intentional walk. Jimmy Rollins would eventually follow with a three-run home run to seal the game.
It was J-Roll's fourth RBI of the game and second multi-run homer in as many days.
Kyle Kendrick pitched a solid seven innings, allowing one run on five hits, one walk and five strikeouts as the Phils took the first game 8-1.
The nightcap featured a good pitching match-up of Roy Halladay against Anibal Sanchez. Halladay didn't have his best stuff, but the bats took him off the hook with some late inning heroics.
Trailing 4-2 in the bottom of the ninth with Marlins' closer Leo Nunez on the mound, the Phils started a rally.
Carlos Ruiz hit a one-out single, and Ross Gload followed with a pinch hit single. Then, the Phillies' fortunes seemed to be turning against them.
Jimmy Rollins hit as absolute blast up the middle, which hit Nunez and rolled right to the first baseman who stepped on the bag for out number two. The ball would have been very difficult for any Florida fielder to reach, and would have likely been an RBI single which would have also moved the tying run to third.
But fortunately, Shane Victorino played hero, ripping a line drive to center field, just out of the reach of a diving Jose Lopez, tying the game at four.
An inning later, Carlos Ruiz hit a walk-off single, scoring Ryan Howard who was hit by a pitch to lead-off the inning.
The 5-4 victory pushes Florida 10.5 games out.
Halladay didn't pitch his best game for the Phils, allowing two runs in the first on a Logan Morrison RBI ground-out and a Gaby Sanchez home run.
He allowed two more in the fourth, on a weakly hit two-run single of the bat of John Buck.
Doc lasted seven innings, allowing the four runs on six hits, no walks an eight strikeouts. Ryan Madson picked up his third win of the season, pitching a scoreless top of the tenth.
Sanchez deserved a better fate, allowing two runs over seven innings on four hits, four walks and six strikeouts.
Cliff Lee looks to put the nail in Florida's coffin this afternoon. A sweep would push the Marlins 11.5 out, a likely insurmountable deficit.
In the first game, Elih Villanueva made his Major League debut and it was a memorable one for him. Just for all the wrong reasons.
He lasted just three innings, allowed eight runs on five hits and five walks with two strikeouts. He threw 92 pitches, 52 strikes and 40 balls.
Leading 2-1 in the third, the Phils put a six spot on the board to chase Villanueva from the game. They had just two hits in the inning, but made them count. Wilson Valdez came up with a huge bases clearing three-run triple, after a hit by pitch, a walk and an intentional walk. Jimmy Rollins would eventually follow with a three-run home run to seal the game.
It was J-Roll's fourth RBI of the game and second multi-run homer in as many days.
Kyle Kendrick pitched a solid seven innings, allowing one run on five hits, one walk and five strikeouts as the Phils took the first game 8-1.
The nightcap featured a good pitching match-up of Roy Halladay against Anibal Sanchez. Halladay didn't have his best stuff, but the bats took him off the hook with some late inning heroics.
Trailing 4-2 in the bottom of the ninth with Marlins' closer Leo Nunez on the mound, the Phils started a rally.
Carlos Ruiz hit a one-out single, and Ross Gload followed with a pinch hit single. Then, the Phillies' fortunes seemed to be turning against them.
Jimmy Rollins hit as absolute blast up the middle, which hit Nunez and rolled right to the first baseman who stepped on the bag for out number two. The ball would have been very difficult for any Florida fielder to reach, and would have likely been an RBI single which would have also moved the tying run to third.
But fortunately, Shane Victorino played hero, ripping a line drive to center field, just out of the reach of a diving Jose Lopez, tying the game at four.
An inning later, Carlos Ruiz hit a walk-off single, scoring Ryan Howard who was hit by a pitch to lead-off the inning.
The 5-4 victory pushes Florida 10.5 games out.
Halladay didn't pitch his best game for the Phils, allowing two runs in the first on a Logan Morrison RBI ground-out and a Gaby Sanchez home run.
He allowed two more in the fourth, on a weakly hit two-run single of the bat of John Buck.
Doc lasted seven innings, allowing the four runs on six hits, no walks an eight strikeouts. Ryan Madson picked up his third win of the season, pitching a scoreless top of the tenth.
Sanchez deserved a better fate, allowing two runs over seven innings on four hits, four walks and six strikeouts.
Cliff Lee looks to put the nail in Florida's coffin this afternoon. A sweep would push the Marlins 11.5 out, a likely insurmountable deficit.
Wednesday, June 15, 2011
Hamels wins 9th in 9-1 rout of Fish
The bats produced again last night, backing another strong outing from Cole Hamels who picked up his ninth victory of the season in a 9-1 win.
After allowing a run in the first, Hamels was nearly un-hittable over seven strong innings. He allowed the one run on three hits, one walk and six strikeouts. Through from the last out in the first through the seventh inning, Hamels retired sixteen consecutive batters before Logan Morrison reached on a Ryan Howard error to lead-off the seventh.
Ryan Howard hit a sight for sore eyes in the first inning: an opposite field home run. It was his first hit to left since May 10. The two-run shot gave the Phils a 2-1 lead and they never looked back.
The Phillies also got home runs from Chase Utley (two-run in the 3rd), Domonic Brown (solo in the fourth, solo in the seventh) and Jimmy Rollins (two-run in the sixth).
Placido Polanco also contributed an RBI, the only run not produced via the long ball.
Marlins' starter Chris Volstad dropped to 2-7, lasting 5.2 innings and allowing eight runs on ten hits, two walks, four home runs and four strikeouts.
With the loss and a Mets victory over the Braves, the Marlins fell into fourth place in the NL East, 8.5 behind the Phils, who moved 3.5 ahead of the second place Braves.
For the first game of today's doubleheader, the Marlins will send Elih Villanueva to the mound, making his Major League debut. He's 4-5 in Triple-A this season, with a 5.23 ERA. He's coming off a six inning shut-out performance on June 9, and has allowed a total of four earned runs over his last three starts.
After allowing a run in the first, Hamels was nearly un-hittable over seven strong innings. He allowed the one run on three hits, one walk and six strikeouts. Through from the last out in the first through the seventh inning, Hamels retired sixteen consecutive batters before Logan Morrison reached on a Ryan Howard error to lead-off the seventh.
Ryan Howard hit a sight for sore eyes in the first inning: an opposite field home run. It was his first hit to left since May 10. The two-run shot gave the Phils a 2-1 lead and they never looked back.
The Phillies also got home runs from Chase Utley (two-run in the 3rd), Domonic Brown (solo in the fourth, solo in the seventh) and Jimmy Rollins (two-run in the sixth).
Placido Polanco also contributed an RBI, the only run not produced via the long ball.
Marlins' starter Chris Volstad dropped to 2-7, lasting 5.2 innings and allowing eight runs on ten hits, two walks, four home runs and four strikeouts.
With the loss and a Mets victory over the Braves, the Marlins fell into fourth place in the NL East, 8.5 behind the Phils, who moved 3.5 ahead of the second place Braves.
For the first game of today's doubleheader, the Marlins will send Elih Villanueva to the mound, making his Major League debut. He's 4-5 in Triple-A this season, with a 5.23 ERA. He's coming off a six inning shut-out performance on June 9, and has allowed a total of four earned runs over his last three starts.
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