Phillies at Marlins
The Philadelphia Phillies saw their losing streak extended to a season-high seven games after being swept by the Miami Marlins before bouncing back with rallies from multiple-run deficits to win each of their last four contests. The Phillies bid to exact a bit of revenge on Friday as they open a three-game series against the host Marlins.
Jean Segura capped a five-run uprising in the ninth inning on Thursday with a three-run homer as Philadelphia completed a four-game sweep with a 6-3 win over the New York Mets. The 29-year-old, who went deep three times versus the Mets, is a robust 11-for-31 with one blast, five RBIs and four runs versus Miami this season. While the Phillies begin a nine-game road trip heading into the All-Star break, the Marlins enter this series having dropped 11 of their last 13 contests at home following a sweep at the hands of Washington. Miguel Rojas collected a career high-tying four hits in an 8-5 setback on Thursday, marking his fifth multi-hit performance in the last eight contests.
TV: 7:10 p.m. ET, NBC 10 (Philadelphia), FS Florida (Miami)
PITCHING MATCHUP: Phillies RH Vince Velasquez (2-4, 4.40 ERA) vs. Marlins RH Elieser Hernandez (0-2, 4.34)
Velasquez deserved a better fate last Friday as the solo homer he surrendered to JT Riddle accounted for both the lone hit and run he allowed over five innings in a no-decision against Miami. Riddle is 3-for-8 with four RBIs against the 27-year-old, who owns a 2-2 record and 4.62 ERA in nine career appearances (eight starts) versus the Marlins. Velasquez has won both of his decisions on the road this season (2-3, 5.10 ERA), although his ERA away from home is nearly two runs higher than his mark at Citizens Bank Park (3.18).
Hernandez followed two straight losses with a no-decision on Saturday after permitting three runs and four hits in five innings against Philadelphia. The 24-year-old Venezuelan was taken deep twice by the Phillies, with Bryce Harper and Rhys Hoskins belting solo shots. Harper is 3-for-6 versus Hernandez, who has struggled with left-handed batters to the tune of letting them hit .385 against him.
WALK-OFFS
1. Marlins 1B Garrett Cooper, who has hit safely in 16 of his last 17 contests, is 4-for-8 with a homer against Philadelphia this season.
2. Phillies 3B Maikel Franco has gone 7-for-15 with three homers, seven RBIs and four runs in his last four games.
3. Miami 2B Starlin Castro is 0-for-12 in his last three games after going 5-for-13 with two RBIs in his previous three versus Philadelphia.