The Philadephia Phillies lost their home opener to the Miami Marlins, 6-2, on Monday at Citizens Bank Park. The loss dropped the Phillies to 1-3 on the 2012 season.
During the first four games of the season, run production has been a big problem for Philadelphia. The Phillies have generated a mere eight runs in those games. With an anemic offensive output, Philadelphia's pitchers need to be close to perfection.
Cole Hamels was on the mound for the Phillies on Monday against Miami. He took the loss after earning three runs through 5.1 innings. Hamels allowed eight hits and struck out nine batters. Anibal Sanchez got the win for the Marlins. He allowed two earned runs while striking out four and walking one batter in 6.1 innings. The main difference between the pitchers was the run support they received. Before the Phillies scored in the 7th inning on Freddy Galvis' first MLB hit (a 2-run double), the Marlins led 5-0.
Miami never scored more than one run in any inning in a game (including three solo homers) that was a death by inches for a Philadelphia team that left five runners on base and was only 1-7 with runners in scoring position. Omar Infante and Gaby Sanchez did the brunt of the damage for Miami, each player had 2 RBI. Jimmy Rollins was 2-4 and Shane Victorino was 1-3 with a run scored for the Phillies. Galvis finished 1-3 at the plate on Monday after starting the season 0-12 for Philadelphia.
Roy Halladay is the scheduled starter for the Phillies next game against the Marlins on Wednesday. He won on opening day, 1-0, over the Pirates.
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