Phelps, Hechavarria And Prado Lead Marlins Over Phillies 9-1
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PHILADELPHIA (CBSMiami/AP) — Wins haven't come easy for the Miami Marlins so far this season, but a pair of victories in less than 24 hours certainly helps.
It seems all the Marlins needed to get on track was a trip to Philadelphia.
David Phelps tossed three-hit ball over seven innings, Martin Prado drove in four runs and Adeiny Hechavarria had four hits to help the Marlins beat the Phillies 9-1 Thursday.
A series that began with owner Jeffrey Loria declining to endorse manager Mike Redmond ended with hip-hop music blaring in the clubhouse and players in an upbeat mood.
"We had a couple rough weeks," Prado said. "We were swimming against the currents. Now, we are going with the flow, not trying to be a hero."
The announced crowd of 17,097 that came to see the two worst teams in the NL East on a chilly day was the smallest in the 11-year history of Citizens Bank Park.
"We've got some work to do," Phillies manager Ryne Sandberg said. "It was not a good game for us."
Giancarlo Stanton hit a two-run homer and Hechavarria drove in three runs for Miami, which has won two straight games after losing five in a row.
"We needed big hits in big situations," Redmond said. "We knew they were going to come. It was a matter of when."
Phelps (1-0) struck out five to earn his first win since joining the Marlins after three seasons with the Yankees. Cesar Hernandez hit a sacrifice fly off Nick Masset in the ninth to end the shutout bid.
"I don't think we can worry about the last seven. We have to focus on today and let it carry over," Phelps said.
Dustin McGowan (0-1) was roughed up in his first start for Philadelphia. He allowed four runs and three hits, walking four in 3 1-3 innings.
Hechavarria and Prado hit two-run singles in the fourth to give the Marlins a 4-0 lead.
McGowan walked the bases loaded before Hechavarria ended his day with a line-drive single. Reliever Hector Neris hit Phelps with a pitch and after Dee Gordon struck out, Prado bounced a single past third baseman Cody Asche to drive in two more for a 4-0 lead.
Prado hit a two-run double off Justin De Fratus in the sixth. Stanton then lined his fourth homer of the season through a strong wind into the left-field seats.
"I was just trying to keep it between the lines," Stanton said.
HECH'S HITTING
Hechavarria raised his average to .311 after starting the season 1 for 22. He has a six-game hitting streak and had hits in nine of 10 games on the road trip.
"You guys had him dead and buried after 20 at-bats," Redmond said. "We all knew he was going to hit. You just have to let him get going."
STREAKING SUZUKI
Ichiro extended his hitting streak against the Phillies to 11 games since June 4, 2003.
TRAINER'S ROOM
Marlins: LF Christian Yelich missed his third straight game because of tightness in his lower back.
Phillies: McGowan started because RHP Sean O'Sullivan was put on the 15-day disabled list Wednesday because of tendinitis in his left knee.
UP NEXT
Marlins: RHP Mat Latos (0-3, 10.24) starts against Washington's Jordan Zimmermann (1-2, 6.14) when the Marlins return home Friday night.
Phillies: RHP Aaron Harang (2-1, 1.96) faces his 2014 team when the Phillies host Atlanta on Friday.
JOSE'S BIG DAY
Marlins ace Jose Fernandez will become a U.S. citizen at a ceremony Friday in Miami. Fernandez, who left Cuba, is out until midseason recovering from Tommy John surgery.
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