MIAMI, Fla. – A losing streak can affect an athlete mentally; the Miami Marlins surely felt it. Setting a franchise record of 12 consecutive losses isn't being on the right side of history. The clubhouse was tense and frustrated until Monday night's relief.
The Marlins returned to the win column following an 8-7 outing against the Philadelphia Phillies. Tyler Phillip started on the mound and stayed for five innings. He allowed three hits and two earned runs while striking out five batters. Despite giving up a two-run homer in the first inning, the Marlins picked him up with five unanswered runs.
It was a smooth game until the top of the sixth, when the Phillies scored four runs to retake the lead. The Marlins were on the brink of a full meltdown, but a three-run rally in the ninth cleaned up the damage. Following the game, Phillips described the emotions of overcoming adversity.
"Honestly, I try to forget everything about that game up until the last inning," he said .
Phillips alluded to usually sitting inside the clubhouse once he's pulled off the mound, but something kept him in the dugout. It didn't feel right for the 28-year-old to sit in a comfortable reclining chair as the team fought to climb out of a massive hole. Phillips tried to show support in any way he could.
The level of anxiety was high – to the point that the third-year major leaguer had a stuffy throat. Phillips would talk with Marlins pitching coach Daniel Moskos to remain as calm as possible. Following the second inning, he didn't give up another run until being pulled.
In the National League, the Marlins are just a couple of games behind in reclaiming the final Wild Card spot. Former Cy Young winner Sandy Alcantara is the probable starter for Tuesday night's second game against the Phillies. The timing for him to take the mound couldn't have been better.
The Marlins will have the opportunity to build off a much-needed win to re-establish momentum. A weight has been lifted off the clubhouse's shoulders. The Marlins can enter Saturday's game without any thought about a 12-game losing streak. It's officially a new chapter within the season.
Despite the trade deadline being six days away, the Marlins aren't expected to be buyers. They're likely to stay firm with the current roster, but open to moving reliever Pete Fairbanks. Although the league has been monitoring Alcantara's situation for some time, the Marlins don't appear to be interested in moving the 30-year-old ace.
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Anthony Aguirre is a Miami Marlins beat writer for Roundtable Sports. Contact info: alexagmu@gmail.com | 305-987-3290 | Follow on Instagram/X: @AnthonyA_Sports
