Cristopher Sánchez (10-9) was sharp on Wednesday over seven innings, striking out seven without issuing a walk. The Phillies’ lefty allowed two runs on six hits, including five doubles, but limited further damage as Philadelphia (83-56) extended its NL East lead and notched its fourth consecutive win, their ninth in the last 11 games.
Where: loanDepot park, Thursday through Sunday
Pitching Matchups: LHP Ranger Suarez (11-6, 3.02) vs. RHP Adam Oller (1-1, 3.31) at 6:40pm Thursday. RHP Zack Wheeler (13-6, 2.63) s. RHP Edward Cabrera 3-6, 5.33) at 6:40pm Friday. RHP Aaron Nola (12-6, 3.29) vs. Darren McCaughan (0-0, 8.24) at 4:10pm on Saturday. TBD vs. RHP Max Meyer (3-5, 5.68) on Sunday at 1:40pm.
Series: The Phillies lead the season series, 5-4. Philadelphia also leads the all-time series, 284-240.
Phillies Update (83-56): Kyle Schwarber had entered Canada riding a tough two week stretch, but turned red hot across the border. Fresh off a three-homer night on Tuesday, he homered for the fourth time in seven at-bats and added a single in the second inning. His leadoff blast tied Alfonso Soriano’s single-season record, and his 32nd homer of the year moved him into a tie with Brady Anderson for ninth all-time with 44 career leadoff home runs. He finished 2-for-3, walking in the eighth before being replaced by a pinch runner.
The Phillies enter Friday with a 2 12 game lead over Milwaukee for the second spot in the National League, meaning the club would earn a first-round bye in the postseason.
Bryce Harper was removed from Wednesday's contest after being hit in the elbow. He said he felt "good" after the game, but it's something worth watching. Earlier this week, Todd Zolecki of MLB.com reported Harper was dealing with elbow and wrist soreness.
Marlins Update (52-87): The Marlins secured a 4-3 walk-off win over the Nationals on Wednesday as Xavier Edwards delivered a 10th-inning single, marking their MLB-high-tying 10th walk-off victory of the season. Despite the dramatic finish, the club has just 26 home wins, the second-lowest total in the Majors, ahead of only the struggling Chicago White Sox (18). The Marlins have also posted the third-worst FIP over the past two weeks (5.17), with their starting rotation particularly faltering, recording an MLB-worst 6.73 FIP during that span.
Notable Injuries: Phillies -- RHP Spencer Turnbull (shoulder) is on the injured list.
Marlins -- RP Andrew Nardi (elbow), 2B Vidal Brujan (shoulder), SP Sixto Sanchez (elbow), SP Jesus Luzardo (back), SP Braxton Garrett (forearm), and SP Sandy Alcantara (back) are on the injured list.
What's Next: The Phillies welcome the Rays to Citizens Bank Park for a three-game set starting on Monday.
