The smallest crowd ever at Citizens Bank Park saw another weak performance by the Phillies, who were pounded, 9-1, by the Miami Marlins on Thursday afternoon.
The nine runs allowed were the most this season by the Phillies.
The Marlins took two of three in the series, winning the last two games by a combined score of 15-2.
The Phillies (5-11) are averaging just 2.6 runs per game, worst in the majors. They came within one out of being shut out for the third time.
Starting pitching report
Dustin McGowan (1-1) made the spot start in place of injured Sean O’Sullivan. He gave up four runs in 3 1/3 innings. All the runs came in the fourth inning when McGowan walked three. All three of those walks turned into runs.
Miami starter David Phelps (1-0) held the Phillies to three hits over seven scoreless innings.
MLB
Bullpen report
Justin De Fratus was tagged for four runs in two innings. He allowed a homer to Giancarlo Stanton.
At the plate
Darin Ruf started at first base and doubled twice for the Phillies.
The Phils have been held to three or fewer runs in 11 of 16 games.
Adeiny Hechavarria, Miami’s shortstop, had four hits for the Marlins and made a great play to take away a would-be hit from Cameron Rupp.
In the field
The Phillies made two more errors to move into the NL lead with 17. They made three on Wednesday.
Lineup stuff
With his team playing a day game after a night game, manager Ryne Sandberg held regulars Chase Utley, Ryan Howard and Carlos Ruiz out of the starting lineup. It marked the first time that no member of the 2008 World Series roster was in the starting lineup.
Up next
The Phillies host the Atlanta Braves for three games beginning Friday night. Here are the pitching matchups:
Friday night: RHP Aaron Harang (2-1, 1.96) vs. LHP Alex Wood (1-0, 3.93)
Saturday night: RHP David Buchanan (0-3, 9.22) vs. RHP Shelby Miller (2-0, 1.69)
Sunday afternoon: RHP Jerome Williams (1-1, 3.71) vs. RHP Trevor Cahill (0-2, 9.95)