In a shocking development, Philadelphia Phillies are shut out by the Miami Marlins
By Mike Lacy
Jul 2, 2014; Miami, FL, USA; Miami Marlins starting pitcher Tom Koehler (34) throws during the first inning against the Philadelphia Phillies at Marlins Ballpark. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports
This may shock some of you, but the Phillies were shut out last night.
I realize it may seem strange that an offensive powerhouse such as the Phillies could possibly go an entire game without scoring any runs, but I assure you that it happened. As a result, the Phillies lost a 5-0 decision to the Miami Marlins which was their sixth straight loss.
The Marlins started the normally nondescript Tom Koehler who looked like an ace last night. Koehler pitched the first six innings and allowed only four baserunners. After that, a combination of Marlins relievers only permitted three Phillies to reach base over the final three innings.
The Phillies best opportunity to score a run came in the first inning when Ben Revere and Jimmy Rollins led off the game with singles. After Rollins stole second, the Phillies looked poised for a big inning. But – brace yourselves for this – the Phillies failed to come through with runners in scoring position.
Chase Utley and Marlon Byrd struck out, and then Ryan Howard grounded out to end the threat. Keep in mind that this was the middle of the Phillies’ lineup and the hitters who are supposed to be the big run producers.
Jul 2, 2014; Miami, FL, USA; Philadelphia Phillies starting pitcher Cole Hamels (35) takes the mound during the fifth inning against the Miami Marlins at Marlins Ballpark. The Marlins won 5-0. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports
Even more amazing than the Phillies being held scoreless was the fact that it happened behind Cole Hamels. Hamels is notorious for getting a lot of run support, so it seemed quite strange that the Phillies couldn’t score any runs on his behalf.
Admittedly, this was far from the best start of Hamels’ career. He needed 97 pitches to get through five innings, giving up three runs along the way. In the eighth inning, Mario Hollands killed off whatever glimmer of hope the Phillies might have had for a comeback when he surrendered a two-run home run to Jarrod Saltalamacchia, making the score 5-0.
Although it didn’t really matter how well the Phillies pitched, because unless they change the rules of baseball, it’s impossible to win a game without scoring a run.
The Phillies will look to snap the losing streak (or at least score a run) against the Marlins tonight. They’ll be facing Brad Hand, who was recently recalled from the minors and is only making his third start of the season.
But we certainly shouldn’t take it for granted that they’ll score a lot of runs. The 2014 Phillies have a habit of making even the least accomplished pitchers look good.
I actually have a good feeling about tonight’s game. It seems like the Phillies are due for a game where they explode offensively, score about ten runs and walk away with an easy win. They’ll probably go right back to struggling on Saturday, for one night, it will be magical!