PHI 6, MIA 9; winning streak grows to three

Opening a four-game weekday series at loanDepot park vs. the Philadelphia Phillies, Trevor Rogers did not look comfortable on the mound, walking the first two hitters on nine pitches. Thankfully, Rogers escaped the inning unharmed with the support of a 5-4-3 double play. Paced by nine runs on 12 hits, Miami’s offense was the difference in a 9-6 victory, moving one game closer to the .500 mark (23-24).

The rookie left-hander excelled against these same Phillies on May 19, pitching a season-best 7 ²⁄₃ innings in a 3-1 Marlins victory and punching out eight batters. But Monday’s five-inning effort was more of grind—he allowed two runs (one earned), walking three and striking out only five (his lowest total in any 2021 outing). One plus for Rogers, too: Bryce Harper was not in the lineup for the second consecutive contest.

Right-hander Zach Eflin pitched six innings, giving up four runs (three earned) on 103 pitches for Joe Girardi’s group.

Similar to Sunday, the Marlins were able to blow the score open against a former Marlin. They plated four runs in the seventh off Brandon Kintzler, who closed games for Don Mattingly in the shortened season a year ago. Adam Duvall’s three-run home run was the exclamation point and tied him with Jesús Aguilar for the team lead with nine dingers.

One quick note to mention, although you expect it from every professional baseball player: Jazz Chisholm Jr. has just one hit in his last 13 plate appearances, finishing 0-for-5 Monday with three strikeouts. Chisholm returned from the injured list on May 16 and owns one of the worst strikeout rates in the majors since then. That problem has been magnified by his inability/unwillingness to draw any walks.

Brian Anderson departed the game early with left shoulder soreness. The Marlins will have him undergo further testing to determine whether or not the injury is significant.

Sandy Alcántara, after pitching six scoreless innings in a win May 20 against the Phillies, will start in game two, which is scheduled for 6:40 p.m. ET

Baseball Savant

Fish Picks Answer Key

1. Eflin
2. Under
3. Over
4. Yes
5. Marlins