Phillies explode for 7 runs in the 9th to down Marlins

Talk about an offensive explosion. After 8 innings of baseball that looked just like Thursday's game against the Brewers where they nearly got no-hit, the Phillies offense finally came alive in a big way against the Marlins. After managing only 3 hits and striking out 8 times against young Marlins ace Josh Johnson, the Phils bats pounded Marlins relievers for 5 hits and 7 runs in the 9th inning to earn a 7-3 victory in Florida.

Shane Victorino had the big hit of the game when, with the Phillies down 3-2, he smashed a grand slam to clear the bases and give the Phils the lead. Chase Utley also homered and Jimmy Rollins and Matt Stairs each had an RBI.

The Phillies starting pitching once again put the team in an early hole as Brett Myers (surprise, surprise) gave up a 3-run homer to Dan Uggla in the 1st inning. The starting pitchers have given up way too many homers this season and it has forced the team to have to come from behind nearly every game. Myers did bear down after giving up the homer but it would be nice if the Phils could get some consistency out of their pitchers sometime soon.

Thanks to the late outburst, the Phillies avoided getting completely shut down offensively for the second game in a row. Charlie Manuel has good reason to be upset with this team, they are still a long way off from playing like the World Champs that they are.