For the second straight game without their star duo, the Phillies mustered just two runs, falling 3-2 on Saturday to the Marlins at Citizens Bank Park.
The void left by Harper and Schwarber—along with the continued absence of starting catcher J.T. Realmuto—has been glaringly evident.
"We didn't have many chances today," manager Rob Thomson said. "We've got to get on base, try not to do too much, and eventually, you're going to score."
Their best opportunity on Saturday came in the fifth inning when Bryson Stott singled to put runners on the corners with nobody out. However, the Phillies managed just one run in the frame on an Alec Bohm sacrifice fly.
Philadelphia could only muster one baserunner over the final four innings, courtesy of Stott’s two-out walk in the seventh.
Aaron Nola delivered a solid performance, striking out nine and walking none while allowing three runs over 6 2/3 innings. Despite his efforts, the lack of offensive firepower proved to be the difference.
As the team awaits the return of their key players, they must find innovative ways to produce runs and stay competitive. The challenge now is to adjust and adapt, hoping the lineup can step up in the face of adversity.
"We've got a lot of good players still, even with the guys we have out," Trea Turner said. "The pitching is still there, obviously, so we're in each and every game."
The two clubs conclude their four-game set on Sunday as Ranger Suarez will face Marlins' righty Yonny Chirinos.
And Another One
Pitcher Luis F. Ortiz will undergo Tommy John surgery on July 11, sidelining him until late 2025. The 28-year-old righty began dealing with inflammation in his throwing shoulder in mid-April. The discomfort dissipated but moved to his elbow following a rehab assignment in mid-June, forcing the need for surgery.
