Marlins, Phils split doubleheader
Anibal Sanchez allowed two hits in eight innings to beat Philadelphia for the first time in five career decisions, and the Florida Marlins’ 3-0 victory gave them a doubleheader split Tuesday.
Joe Blanton gave up two hits in seven shutout innings to outpitch Marlins ace Josh Johnson in the first game, which Philadelphia won 9-3. That reduced to five the Phillies’ magic number for clinching the NL East.
Sanchez (3-7) struck out seven and walked two in his longest outing since Sept. 16, 2006. The right-hander, spent two stints on the disabled list this year with shoulder sprains.
Jamie Moyer (12-10), who had won his previous eight games in Miami, allowed three runs – including a pair of solo homers – in seven innings.
Dan Uggla hit his 30th home run and Cody Ross added a career-high 23rd. NL batting leader Hanley Ramirez had two hits and doubled home the Marlins’ other run.
Philadelphia fell to 5-1 in doubleheader games this season.
Facing the NL’s highest-scoring team, Sanchez gave up a walk to start the game, then retired 10 in a row before Chase Utley singled. Those were the Phillies’ only baserunners until the seventh, when Utley led off with a double but was stranded.
Philadelphia finished the doubleheader 2-for-16 with runners in scoring position.
Leo Nunez pitched a perfect ninth and completed the two-hitter for his 23rd save in 29 chances. Ryan Howard’s flyout near the 434-foot sign in center ended the game.