After scoring 18 runs in their previous two games, the Philadelphia Phillies were shut out Tuesday night in a 1-0 loss to the Marlins in Miami. The Phillies have now lost four straight series, including their first series loss against the Marlins since September 8-10, 2023.
Aaron Nola took the loss, his ninth of the year, while Sandy Alcántara earned the win for Miami.
The bottom of the first inning included what has become a signature move of Nola over the course of his career. On a 1–1 count to Kyle Stowers, Philadelphia's starter hung a knuckle curve right over the plate, allowing Stowers to rip it 390 feet into right-center field for a solo home run.
That home run was Nola’s 26th allowed on the year, putting him one behind Jeffrey Springs for the most runs allowed this season. The home run would be the only run scored against Nola on the day. Through 5.2 innings, Nola allowed five hits and three walks while striking out four batters.
Tuesday’s outing was the first time in nearly three months that Nola allowed one or fewer runs in an outing. The previous time was on May 4 when he pitched six shutout innings. His opponent? Also the Miami Marlins.
Defense played a strong factor in helping Nola manage the traffic flow on the base path.
With Kyle Schwarber feeling under the weather, Bryce Harper took over duties as the designated hitter on Tuesday. That opened up first base for a rare Alec Bohm start as the normal third baseman jumped corners. Edmundo Sosa filled his shoes at third.
Bohm found himself in a perfect position to make an unassisted double play in the second inning. Graham Pauley lined out directly to Bohm with runners on first and second. Jakob Marsee broke for second base on contact, allowing Bohm to calmly trot to first, finishing the 3-U double play.
The following inning, Bohm allowed Otto Lopez to reach base on an error on a trickler down the first base line. The speedy threat of Lopez on the base path was quickly neutralized, however, as Garrett Stubbs caught him stealing with a perfectly placed throw to Trea Turner.
Bohm made up for his error the following inning, however. Xavier Edwards hit a lead-off single into right field before Liam Hicks hit a grounder down the first base line. Bohm fielded the ball cleanly, stepping on first before throwing to Turner at second, who applied the tag, completing the 3-6 double play.
Sandy Alcantara dominated the Phillies over seven shutout innings, carrying a no-hit bid until Bryan De La Cruz reached on an infield single with two outs in the fifth.
In what may have been his final start for Miami ahead of the trade deadline, Alcantara allowed just four hits, all over his final three innings. Even as the Phillies began to generate traffic, they never seriously threatened the respected right-hander, who kept them off the scoreboard throughout his commanding outing.
Calvin Faucher pitched a scoreless eighth inning to pass the ball off to closer Pete Fairbanks. He struck out two while sitting the Phillies down in order in the top of the ninth.
As a team, the Phillies went 4-for-32 on the night, walking just one time. Bryan De La Cruz was the only bright spot for the Phillies offensively, going 2-for-3 with a double.
Jesús Luzardo has the chance to pitch in his hometown as the Phillies look to close the books in Miami by avoiding a sweep. The getaway day special will begin at 12:10 p.m.
