Philadelphia Phillies snap a six-game losing streak with a comeback 5-4 win over the Miami Marlins

Jul 3, 2014; Miami, FL, USA; Philadelphia Phillies starting pitcher Kyle Kendrick (38) throws during the fourth inning against the Miami Marlins at Marlins Ballpark. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports

It felt like yet another loss. After losing six straight games, when the Phillies found themselves trailing the Marlins by a run in the top of the ninth inning, it would have been easy for them to simply accept another defeat. But miraculously enough, the offense rallied and they emerged with an unexpected 5-4 win.

The Phillies were trailing mostly because manager Ryne Sandberg continues to insist that Jake Diekman is his “eighth inning guy.” Despite mounting evidence that Diekman is much better against lefties than righties, Sandberg once again had him handle the eighth. In this particular instance, the Marlins had multiple right-handers due up, making me believe Justin De Fratus would have been the better option.

Apr 11, 2014; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Philadelphia Phillies pitcher Jake Diekman (63) delivers to the plate during the fifth inning against the Miami Marlins at Citizens Bank Park. The Phillies defeated the Marlins 6-3. Mandatory Credit: Howard Smith-USA TODAY Sports

Sandberg thought differently, and Diekman did not reward his faith, surrendering two runs in the eighth.

In the ninth, the Phillies’ comeback started when Tony Gwynn, Jr. walked and Ben Revere singled and stole second base. With speedy runners in scoring position, all it took was a couple of RBI groundouts by Jimmy Rollins and Chase Utley to get the runs home.

The Phillies also got a little bit of luck, as Marlins’ second baseman Donovan Solano had a chance to turn Utley’s grounder into an inning ending double play. But he bobbled the ball, which only allowed him to get one out, and the Phillies took the lead. After losing six straight, the Phillies certainly aren’t going to complain about some good luck.

They also got contributions from Kyle Kendrick and Cameron Rupp. The unheralded starter gave up two runs in seven innings, and the backup catcher drove in two runs with a double in the seventh inning.

The Phillies will attempt to win a second game in a row when they travel to Pittsburgh for an 5:05 game this afternoon. Roberto Hernandez will get the start for the Phillies and he’ll be opposed by Garrett Cole.