Marlins Wrap Sweep Of Phillies
MIAMI (AP) - Ricky Nolasco pitched seven strong innings, Hanley Ramirez hit a two-run home run, and the Miami Marlins completed a three-game sweep of the struggling Philadelphia Phillies with a 5-2 win Sunday.
It was the first Marlins sweep of the Phillies since August 7-9, 2009, at Citizens Bank Park. The Phillies have lost five straight.
All-Star slugger Giancarlo Stanton also homered, and Omar Infante and John Buck each had RBI doubles for the Marlins, who have won four straight.
Nolasco (7-6) struck out six as he scattered five hits and allowed two runs. Nolasco improved to 8-4 with a 3.59 ERA over 14 starts against the Phillies.
With the Marlins leading 3-2 in the top of the eighth, Steve Cishek allowed two singles before getting Shane Victorino to fly out to end the inning.
Ramirez's two-run homer came off Antonio Bastardo in the bottom of the eighth to extend the lead to 5-2. It was Ramirez's first home run in 90 at-bats dating to June 3.
Heath Bell came on in the ninth for his 17th save in 21 chances.
Philadelphia starter Joe Blanton (7-7) allowed three runs and six hits in six innings. He struck out seven.
After Juan Pierre tripled and scored on a groundout by Carlos Ruiz, Miami took a 2-1 lead on consecutive RBI doubles by Infante and Buck.
Stanton's third home run in five games - his 19th overall - gave Miami a 3-1 advantage in the third. Nolasco, who had retired 11 straight at one point, was charged with two wild pitches in the sixth, which resulted in the Phillies' second run.
