The Miami Marlins blew a two-run lead and fell to the Philadelphia Phillies by a final score of 4-3 on Saturday.
Miami was searching for its 12th win in 13 games, which would have been the best stretch in franchise history. The Marlins had also won four games in a row heading into the game. Despite the loss, Miami is still 12-2 in its last 14 games and has surged into third place in the National League East.
Tom Koehler gave the Marlins his best start of the year and it ended up in a no-decision. Koehler went seven inning in which he allowed one run on two hits. Koehler walked two and struck out eight to lower his E.R.A. to 5.83. The right-hander was dominant, but could not go longer due to his pitch count.
Things went south went the pen took over in the eighth. Kyle Barraclough has been brilliant this season, but may have become a tad overused. The right-hander got himself into some trouble allowing a hit and a walk in this one. Craig Breslow would be called upon to try and bail Barraclough out.
Breslow did not fare well as he allowed both of Barraclough's inherited runners to score, in addition to one of his own. The lefty retired nobody and had to hand the ball over to Bryan Morris in order to end the inning. First baseman Chris Johnson did not help matters when he dropped a potential inning-ending double play. The run that scored on the play would be the eventual game-winner.
Marcell Ozuna continued Miami's recent power show with sixth home run of the season. Justin Bour also left the ballpark, which was the fourth of the year for the slugger.
The Marlins will try to win the series on Sunday when Justin Nicolino gets the ball.
