W - Sanchez (4-8), L - Hamels (10-11), S - Nunez (26)
The Phillies played a full lineup but replaced starters earlier in a losing effort. Cole Hamels pitched the first three innings and surrendered some runs, but as just in to get some work. The Phils also got a pretty good look at their bullpen pieces as they prepare for the playoffs. Meanwhile the Marlins got a solid start from Anibal Sanchez again and despite losing a couple of their stars to injuries, won the game by a final of 4-3.
The game was basically meaningless to the Phillies, who learned that they would be assured home-field advantage in the first round of the playoffs. Hamels went three shaky innings, after allowing runs in the first and second innings. He gave up three earned and struck out two. It was not an encouraging performance, but he is still in line to pitch game one or two for the defending world champions. The bullpen looked much better, with five different players throwing an inning or more.
Anibal Sanchez showed once again why he used to be considered a star prospect. Sanchez went seven strong innings against the Phillies again to pick up his second win in as many starts against them. He allowed one earned run on a Ryan Howard solo homer and five hits. Sanchez walked a pair and fanned three on the day. The Marlins bullpen came in and was shaky, as the Phillies put together some late rallies, but they came up short as the Marlins closed out their 87th victory of the season.
This will be one of the last losses this season that doesn't mean anything to the Phillies. The most important thing at this point is to stay rested and healthy as they enter the post season for the third straight year. Entering the final day of play, the Phillies cannot impact the playoffs in any meaningful way, therefore look for a lot of substitutes to get playing time. The starters will rest and relax and prepare for game one of the NLDS on Wednesday.
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