Marlins Hand Ball to Phillips, Eye End to Historic Streak

MIAMI — For all the wrong reasons, the Miami Marlins made history in a 5-3 loss to the San Diego Padres in the series finale Sunday afternoon at loanDepot park.

The club has now lost 12 consecutive games, the longest losing streak in franchise history, leaving them three games out of the final National League Wild Card spot.

Looking to end the streak, the Marlins (52-54) will open a three-game series against the Philadelphia Phillies (57-49) on Monday.

Miami will send right-hander Tyler Phillips (2-5, 3.52 ERA) to the mound.

Phillips made his major league debut with the Phillies on July 7, 2024.

The 28-year-old has made two appearances against the Phillies this season, one at loanDepot park and the other at Citizens Bank Park.

Phillips threw three scoreless innings while allowing four hits on May 3 but struggled in Philadelphia on June 16, surrendering eight earned runs on six hits over four innings.

He will face a Philadelphia lineup that has found its rhythm after overcoming a challenging stretch earlier in the season.

The Phillies have completely turned their 2026 season around since their last stop in Miami and have positioned themselves as a serious contender in the National League playoff race.

The Phillies will open the series with veteran right-hander Zack Wheeler (10-2, 2.16 ERA).

Wheeler, who has been putting up Cy Young-like numbers this season, has dominated the Marlins throughout his career, going 14-4 with a 2.59 ERA and 198 strikeouts in 28 appearances.

The Marlins will need to find a way to generate offense against one of the National League’s premier pitchers, while also attempting to end a losing streak that has already become a part of franchise history.

Miami carried a 3-1 lead into the top of the eighth inning Sunday, but right-handed reliever Lake Bachar had an appearance to forget.

Bachar surrendered a game-tying two-run home run to veteran Manny Machado before allowing a go-ahead solo home run to center fielder Jackson Merrill with one out.

Bachar allowed four runs in the inning, turning a two-run lead into a deficit.

Monday’s matchup presents a significant challenge for Miami, which will need strong pitching and timely offense to end its franchise-record slide.

The Marlins have struggled to find consistency during their losing streak, but a strong performance against a division rival could provide an opportunity to reset.

First pitch is scheduled for 6:40 p.m. ET at loanDepot park, with the Marlins expecting large crowds throughout the three-game series. 

Join our ROUNDTABLE community! It's free to join. Share your thoughts, engage with our Roundtable writers, and chat with fellow members.

Download the free Roundtable APP, (https://apps.apple.com/us/app/roundtable-rtb/id6450423049) and stay even more connected!