The Phillies march towards the playoffs took another step forward Friday night as they beat the Marlins 5-3 in Miami.
John Mayberry, Jr. homered and knocked in three runs, starter Roy Oswalt (7-8) went 6 1/3 innings allowing three runs on eight hits and walk while striking out seven and relievers Antonio Bastardo and Ryan Madson (S, 27) each pitched a scoreless inning.
But the most impressive stat of the night was the result. By improving to 88-46 the Phils moved to 42 games over .500 for the first time in the team’s 129-year history.
The Phillies benefitted from three wild pitches, six walks, an intentional walk and a hit by pitch by Marlins pitching. The extra base runners were needed considering the Phils managed only seven hits. Marlins left-handed rookie Brad Hand (1-5) gave up four runs in five-plus innings to take the loss.
The same teams faceoff Saturday night when the Phils send Cole Hamels (13-7, 2.58 ERA) to the hill against Marlins righty Ricky Nolasco (9-10, 4.34) -- game time 7:10.
