Marlins 5 - 1 Phillies
Final
  for this game

Phils hope Blanton puts struggles behind him vs. Marlins

Jun 3, 2012 - 2:37 PM

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(Sports Network) - Joe Blanton has been struggling in Philadelphia's rotation, but he'll get another chance to turn around his recent poor performances when the Phillies close a three-game series against the Miami Marlins.

Blanton has given up 19 earned runs over his last three starts, covering an 0-2 stretch. During that time the righty has surrendered eight home runs and 28 hits. He was touched for six runs in a loss Tuesday to the Mets.

Over his career, Blanton has sparkled against the Marlins with a 7-2 mark and a 3.10 ERA in 10 games. He also limited Miami to three hits and a run over seven frames of a 3-1 win on April 12 at Citizens Bank Park.

Carlos Zambrano returns to the mound following his win over the Nationals on Monday, when he limited them to three runs over six innings. The Marlins have won five of the last six games he's started and during that time he's limited opponents to a .204 batting average. Additionally, he's 4-4 with a 4.26 ERA in 10 games (9 starts) all-time when facing the Phillies.

Yesterday, Hanley Ramirez hit two home runs and knocked in three runs as the Marlins earned a 5-4 win.

Ricky Nolasco (6-3) allowed four runs on eight hits and two walks while striking out five over seven-plus innings to earn the win.

Heath Bell stranded the tying run on second base in the ninth to record his 11th save of the year as the Marlins won for the sixth time in eight games.

Cole Hamels (8-2) was trying to become the first nine-game winner in the majors, but was touched for five runs on seven hits and two walks in 6 2/3 innings to absorb the loss.

Both of Hamels' losses this season have come against the Marlins.

"We were facing one of the best pitchers in the game right now and we handled it pretty well," Marlins manager Ozzie Guillen said about Hamels.

Hunter Pence homered and knocked in two runs for Philadelphia, which had its two-game win streak snapped.

"We had baserunners all day. We just couldn't get it done," Phillies manager Charlie Manuel said.

Miami shortstop Jose Reyes extended his hitting streak to 13 games, the longest currently in the majors.

The Phillies took two of three matchups with Miami earlier this season from April 9-12 and have won six of the past 10 meetings between the clubs. The Phillies have also won 11 of their last 14 at home against the Marlins.






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