A.J. Ramos served up a walk-off home run on Sunday as the Miami Marlins fell to the Philadelphia Phillies by a final score of 8-7.
Cashing in runs had been an issue for the Marlins heading into the game, despite reaching base at a decent rate. Miami was able to make the most of its hits in the series finale with seven runs on 14 hits. It turned out not to be enough however due to Ramos' troubles.
Ramos entered in the ninth inning with a one run lead. After the first hitter reached, Ramos saw a subsequent pitch land in the seats. The home run from Jeff Franceour ended the game and completed a sweep for the Phillies.
The heat and humidity in Philadelphia likely brought back memories of playing at Sun Life Stadium for the Marlins. With a real-feel temperature hovering around 100 degrees, several players could be seen trying to cool off at any given time. Miguel Rojas left early with nausea that could possibly be attributed to the intense heat.
Miami scored all of its runs without the benefit of a home run. In fact, most of the hits by the Marlins were of the single variety. Only two knocks went for extra base hits with Adeiny Hechavarria tallying double #14. Cole Gillespie contributed the other double with his seventh of the year.
Gillespie had a three-hit day as did Ichiro Suzuki who got the start in the leadoff spot. After enduring a long slump, Suzuki has been hot as of late. The veteran's bat has been key at the top of the lineup with Dee Gordon still sidelined.
Dan Haren did not let the conditions get to him, even after a rough start to the game. The veteran allowed five runs in the second inning, but that is all he would allow. Haren ended up going six innings in which he surrendered seven hits. With the trade deadline looming, this may end up being Haren's last start as a member of the Marlins.
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The Marlins will turn to Mat Latos on Monday when they open a series in Arizona against the Diamondbacks.