Miami Loses Another Close One

On Sunday, the Philadelphia Phillies defeated the Miami Marlins by a final score of 2-1 to take the three game series.   It was yet another game that Miami had a chance to win but fell short on.  Despite a 2-10 record, the Marlins have been in every game but one and have received terrific efforts from the starting rotation.  However, the offense has been an issue all season long for Miami. Kevin Slowey turned in his third great start in three chances but received no run support once again.  Miami is yet to score while Slowey is on the mound as their lone run on Sunday came after he exited.  In all, Slowey worked five and a third innings in which he allowed one run on nine hits while walking two and striking out four.  Despite a stellar 2.04 E.R.A, Slowey remains 0-2 on the season.  Chad Qualls worked the next two and a third innings in which he allowed two hits by no runs to keep the game locked at one.  In the ninth, Jon Rauch allowed a pinch-hit home run to Laynce Nix and that is all the Phillies needed to complete the win. Chris Valaika knocked in the only run of the game for Miami in the sixth inning when he brought home Justin Ruggiano.   Otherwise, it was a typical day for Miami with runners in scoring position as they went 1-5 as a team.   Five men were left on base in all and the team had only one extra-base hit.   That being a double by Greg Dobbs off of Roy Halladay.  It was the first two bagger of the season for Dobbs. Miami will look to exact revenge on the Washington Nationals starting Monday.  Two weeks ago, the Nationals swept the first series of the year from Miami.  The scheduled starter for the Marlins is Wade LeBlanc.