Phillies, Eflin Fish for 3rd Series Win Opposite Marlins

By Matt Rappa, Sports Talk Philly editor

Looking to hand the MLB-worst Miami Marlins (3-11) their sixth straight loss, while winning their third series of the season, the Philadelphia Phillies (8-4) and RHP Zach Eflin will oppose southpaw Caleb Smith in the second of a three-game set Saturday evening at Marlins Park.

RELATED | Arrieta Wins 100th Career Game as Phillies Rout Marlins

The Phillies' offense came alive in Friday's 9-1 series opener rout, as starter RHP Jake Arrieta notched his 100th career victory behind seven solid innings with eight strikeouts. The club went 7-for-14 with runners in scoring position and produced 14 hits — including three doubles (Jean Segura, Odubel Herrera, Rhys Hoskins) and a three-run home run by Andrew McCutchen. Reliever Victor Arano tossed two scoreless frames in relief for his 2019 debut. J.T. Realmuto with 2-for-5 against his former club with two runs scored and a RBI, while Jorge Alfaro went 2-for-4 against the Phillies with the Marlins' only run scored and two strikeouts. Segura and McCutchen each had three hits, respectively matching and setting their season highs. The Phillies committed no errors and turned two doubles plays in the field.

Over their five-game skid, the Marlins have been outscored 34-5; they have just two runs scored over their last four games and 36 innings.


Starting Pitching Matchup:

Philadelphia Phillies (8-4) Miami Marlins (3-11)
RHP Zach Eflin LHP Caleb Smith
(2-0, 0.75 ERA) (0-0, 4.09 ERA)

RHP Zach Eflin, Age: 25

  • Career vs. MIA: 2-1, 4.26 ERA, 4 G, 4 GS, 25 1/3 IP, 21 H, 12 R, 12 ER, 5 HR, 5 BB, 15 SO, 1.026 WHIP
  • Career at Marlins Park: 0-1, 6.55 ERA, 2 G, 2 GS, 11 IP, 12 H, 8 R, 8 ER, 2 HR, 4 BB, 5 SO, 1.455 WHIP

This season, Eflin has allowed just one run spanning two starts and 12 innings. He has struck out 14 of his 45 batters faced; only one of his nine hits allowed have went for extra bases.

Last5

LHP Caleb Smith, Age: 27

  • Career vs. PHI: 0-1, 9.00 ERA, 1 G, 1 GS, 3 IP, 2 H, 3 R, 3 ER, 0 HR, 6 BB, 4 SO, 2.667 WHIP
  • Career at Marlins Park: 2-2, 3.19 ERA, 8 G, 8 GS, 42 1/3 IP, 36 H, 15 R, 15 ER, 3 HR, 14 BB, 50 SO, 1.181 WHIP

Smith has not had a decision in five straight starts, with the last coming home against the San Diego Padres on June 8 (win, 5 1/3 shutout innings). The southpaw has struck out 15 batters and has only walked three spanning his 11 innings and two starts this season. Smith walked six batters in his only career start against the Phillies last season (April 5 at Citizens Bank Park).


Starting Lineups:

Philadelphia Phillies (8-4) Miami Marlins (3-11)
  Position Player Bats   Position Player Bats
1 LF Andrew McCutchen R 1 LF Curtis Granderson L
2 SS Jean Segura R 2 3B Brian Anderson R
3 RF Bryce Harper L 3 1B Neil Walker S
4 1B Rhys Hoskins R 4 2B Starlin Castro R
5 C J.T. Realmuto R 5 C Jorge Alfaro R
6 CF Odubel Herrera L 6 SS Miguel Rojas R
7 2B Cesar Hernandez S 7 RF Austin Dean R
8 3B Maikel Franco R 8 CF Lewis Brinson R
9 P Zach Eflin R 9 P Caleb Smith R


Broadcast Information:

  • First pitch: 6:10 p.m.
  • TV: NBCSP+
  • Radio: SportsRadio 94 WIP

Game Notes:

Standings

  • Entering Saturday, the Phillies had the fifth-best winning percentage in MLB, and the third-best winning percentage in the National League.
  • Saturday marks 10 years since Phillies legendary broadcaster Harry Kalas passed away.


  • The Phillies and Washington Nationals are tied for a MLB-best .330 batting average with runners in scoring position, NBC Sports Philadelphia's Corey Seidman notes.
  • McCutchen and third baseman Maikel Franco each have two career RBI opposite Smith spanning a combined seven at-bats. Marlins outfielder Curtis Granderson is 4-for-8 in his career opposite Eflin with one double, two home runs, three RBI, one walk and one strikeout (click to expand).

CareerVS


What's Next:

  • Sunday, April 14, 2019: at Miami Marlins, 1:10 p.m.
    • Marlins Park, Miami, Fla.
    • RHP Vince Velasquez (0-0, 3.00 ERA) vs. RHP Jose Urena (0-3, 9.22 ERA)
    • TV: NBCSP; Radio: SportsRadio 94 WIP
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