Pitcher Ranger Suárez threw seven innings without letting the Marlins score any runs. Nick Castellanos and Johan Rojas both hit solo home runs in the Phillies’ 8-2 victory over the Miami Marlins on Friday night.
The game had an audience of 15,119, with most fans seemingly supporting the Philadelphia team. It was Miami’s first home game since they traded Luis Arraez to the Padres on May 4.
Before the game, a small group of long-time Marlins supporters gathered outside loanDepot Park to express their concerns about the state of the team.
Suárez, with a 1.50 ERA, allowed only three hits while striking out nine and walking two. “I just try to focus as I always do,” Suárez said. “It doesn’t matter if it’s a good team or bad team. We’re in the big leagues. All teams are dangerous.”
Suárez has given up just nine runs in 54 innings this season. He had a 32-inning streak without allowing runs in April, which tied for the fifth-longest in the franchise’s history. He’s the first pitcher in MLB to win seven games this season.
“I think this is the best run he’s been on, no doubt about it,” said Phillies manager Rob Thomson. “He’s really been focused and locked in. Very consistent.”
Gregory Soto replaced Suárez in the eighth inning and allowed a two-run double to Josh Bell, ending the Phillies’ shutout bid.
Rojas and J.T. Realmuto each had three hits out of Philadelphia’s 15 hits. Bryce Harper contributed with two hits, including an RBI double, while Kyle Schwarber and Cristian Pache had two hits each.
