The Philadelphia Phillies have been in freefall since the All-Star break. On Wednesday, they suffered a devastating collapse, blowing a six-run lead to the Miami Marlins and losing 8-6. The Marlins completed a three-game sweep, their first of the season.
Griffin Conine delivered the killing blow. In the bottom of the eighth, his pinch-hit two-run homer put the Marlins ahead. It was his second go-ahead pinch-hit homer of the season. He also had a walk-off hit on Monday.
The Phillies had seemed in control early. Trea Turner homered and Bryce Harper tripled. Jesus Luzardo took a 6-0 lead into the fifth. But the Marlins chipped away: Otto Lopez drove in a run in the fifth, Heriberto Hernandez crushed a 416-foot homer, and Lopez added another RBI in the seventh. Xavier Edwards tied the game with a two-run single.
Luzardo ended his streak of allowing one or fewer runs. He went 6⅓ innings, allowing six runs on six hits. Seth Johnson blew the save. Jonathan Bowlan took the loss.
The comeback was the Marlins’ largest of the season, marking their 21st come-from-behind win. Marlins starter Ryan Gusto worked five innings, allowing six runs. Tyler Zuber got the win, and Pete Fairbanks earned his 15th save.
The Phillies have lost nine of 12 since the All-Star break. They remain in control of a wild-card playoff spot, but that grip is slipping. After Tuesday’s shutout, Bryce Harper challenged the front office to get help at the trade deadline. Wednesday’s meltdown only amplified that need.
