Categories: 2021 Postgame Recaps

Disastrous sixth inning dooms Phillies, who continue to struggle in Miami

Jean Segura had a crucial defensive misplay Friday. (Mark Goldman/Icon Sportswire)

Final Score: Marlins 10, Phillies 3

In recent seasons, loanDepot Park in Miami has been a hellscape for the Philadelphia Phillies in September. Despite some impressive moments early in Friday’s contest, the Phillies weren’t able to change that trend as they dropped Game 1 of a crucial series against the Marlins, snapping their six-game winning streak

Freddy Galvis led the game off with his first career lead-off home run, and first home run as a Phillie since Sept. 14, 2017:

The Marlins quickly erased the Phillies early lead in the bottom of the first inning, though, with Jesús Sánchez tagging Kyle Gibson for a three-run home run that traveled 383 feet:

There was some surprise that Matt Vierling started in center field over Odúbel Herrera, who went 3-5 in Thursday’s win after hitting .341 in August. But against Marlins left-handed starter Jesús Luzardo, Joe Girardi elected to start a red-hot Matt Vierling in center field. Two nights after Vierling recorded four hits in D.C., he again shined Friday night.

Vierling tripled into the right-field corner in the top of the second inning, plating Andrew McCutchen to cut the Marlins lead to one run:

Four innings later, Vierling came to the plate with two outs and McCutchen on first base after a walk. Again, he delivered an extra-base hit, tying the game with a double:

Unfortunately for the Phillies, things unraveled in the home half of the sixth inning.

Jazz Chisholm Jr. led the inning off by scalding a ball into the right field corner. Bryce Harper fielded the ball and relayed it to Jean Segura, who fired a throw to third that seemingly beat Chisholm to the bag. But the typically sure-handed Galvis missed a ball that one hopped to him, allowing Chisholm to reach third.

With the infield in to prevent the Marlins from scoring the go-ahead run, Miguel Rojas hit a ball sharply at Jean Segura that he booted, allowing Chisholm to score.

Jesus Aguilar then hit a ball to third base that Galvis made a tremendous sliding play to get to, only to throw the ball wide of Segura at second and into the outfield:

In total, the Marlins would bring home seven runs in a sixth inning that did Philadelphia in, with an RBI from former Phillie Jorge Alfaro among the damage. Ramón Rosso ultimately had to come in to finish an inning off that saw Gibson surrender five runs, and JD Hammer walk two and give up two more runs while only recording one out.

With the loss, the Phillies are now 3-8 in Miami in September since the start of the 2018 season. The Phillies now drop to 69-65. Ranger Suárez is slated to toe the rubber for the Phillies Saturday, as they look to push towards their first winning record and postseason appearance since 2011.

Shibe Vintage Sports Starting Pitching Performance

Kyle Gibson has had a strong season between the Texas Rangers and Phillies, but he turned in the worst start of his year Friday. In 5 1/3 innings, the 33-year-old righty allowed eight hits and eight earned runs. Gibson entered the game with a 2.94 ERA, and left with a 3.30 ERA.
Jesús Luzardo pitched 5 2/3 innings for the Marlins in the series opener, allowing five hits and three earned runs.

Phillies Nugget Of The Game

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