Phillies Squeak By Marlins on Two First Inning Runs

It wasn’t pretty, but it was a win.

The Phillies beat the Marlins, 2-1, with both runs coming in the top of the first inning. Of their five hits on the night, just one came in that first inning. But three consecutive walks, including one to Darin Ruf with the bases loaded, and a Kevin Frandsen ground out, plated the only runs of the evening. It was just enough.

Zach Miner led the bullpen-game effort, tossing the first four innings. The winning pitcher, Michael Stutes, pitched the fifth, and was followed by Ramirez, Diekman, and then Papelbon for the save. It was Stutes’ first appearance since June 22 after a DL stint with a biceps injury.

Saturday’s game will also be a full bullpen game as Roy Halladay will be unable to make his final start of the season due to arm fatigure and an illness he disclosed to the media after yesterday’s debacle.

The Phillies and Marlins will finish out the series tomorrow as Cole Hamels battles Brad Hand. Hamels will look for his ninth win of the year in his final start.

Pat Gallen

Pat joined Phillies Nation in July 2009, coming over from Examiner.com. As a previous employee of both Comcast SportsNet and the National Basketball Association, Pat prides himself on being a well-rounded individual when it comes to sports. However, the Phillies are first on the list. You’ll usually find Pat chiming in on the Phillies Nation Facebook or Twitter account, weekdays on 97.3 ESPN radio or hosting Phillies Nation TV. He’s also a Senior Writer for the site, and in his free time is a music enthusiast and Will Ferrell movie-follower. His favorite beer: Philly’s own Yards. In 2015, Pat moved on from Phillies Nation as a sports anchor and reporter for CBS-3 in Philadelphia.