Phillies don't lose lead
Miami
One day after squandering a seven-run lead in a loss, the Philadelphia Phillies didn't let it happen again. This time, they built another big advantage and shut down the Miami Marlins.
Corey Dickerson had a career-high four hits and five RBIs to lead the Phillies to a 9-3 victory over the Marlins on Saturday.
In the series opener on Friday night, last-place Miami overcame the huge deficit and won 19-11.
"It's a hard game," Dickerson said. "You also deal with failure every day. What makes this game great is we have short memories. If we didn't, you couldn't play this game. Losing one game, it's still only one game. It's a wash and you keep going."
Zach Eflin pitched six solid innings for his first win since June 24. Eflin (8-11) allowed two runs, six hits and struck out two. He was lifted after 79 pitches in his second start since an extended stay in the bullpen.
"In the zone, attacking, efficient and strong for six innings," Phillies manager Gabe Kapler said of Eflin. "That was the right amount of time to be out there. Maybe the most important part about this if he continues to pitch well for us he's built up again. He's capable of giving us length and he's capable of being efficient."
Scott Kingery's three-run homer off Miami rookie starter Jordan Yamamoto highlighted a six-run fourth and erased a 1-0 deficit. Kingery drove Yamamoto's fastball over the left-center field wall for his 15th home run.
Nationals 7, Cubs 2: Trea Turner reached base four times and scored twice, Yan Gomes and Howie Kendrick each drove in two runs and surging Washington beat Chicago. Washington has won four straight and six of seven to extend its lead over Chicago for the top NL wild-card spot to three games. The Nationals have scored a total of 97 runs in their past nine games.
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