Invariations on a theme: Marlins 1, Phillies 0

The Philadelphia Phillies (57-51) lost their fourth straight series to begin the second half of the season with a 1-0 loss to the Miami Marlins (54-54) in game two of the series.

Aaron Nola had his second best start of the season, allowing only one run in five and two-thirds’ innings of work. His best also came in Miami back on May 4th, when he pitched six scoreless innings.

The offense only mustered four hits on the evening, all against Marlins’ starter, Sandy Alcantara, who went seven innings. Former Fish, Bryan De La Cruz, had half of those four hits, including a double, to raise his batting average to .727 in 11 at-bats since being called up six days ago.

The game’s lone run came two batters into the bottom of the first when Kyle Stowers sent a 1-1 curveball just beyond the reach of Justin Crawford above the right-center field wall.

Tim Mayza finished off the sixth inning after Nola set the table for a potential scoring threat with a two-out walk to Xavier Edwards and a single to Liam Hicks. Josa Alvarado and Orion Kerkering eached pitched a scoreless inning in the seventh and eighth.

The Phillies are 3-8 since hosting the All Star Game and sit six games back of the Atlanta Braves.

Jesus Luzardo will try to fend off the sweep as the Marlins will counter with a bullpen game.