Florida Marlins Wiretap

Phillies Extend Lead Over Mets In NL East

The Phillies extended their lead over the Mets on Sunday with a win over the Marlins, coupled with a victory by Atlanta over New York.

Jamie Moyer pitched six strong innings for Philadelphia, striking out four batters while allowing just one run.

Chase Utley gave the Phillies a 2-0 lead with a two-run home run in the third inning, and Pedro Feliz tacked on more with another two-run homer in the eighth inning of Philadelphia's 5-2 win over Florida.

The Mets held a 4-2 lead over the Braves heading into the seventh inning, but New York's bullpen crumbled yet again as Atlanta added five runs late in the game.

Philadelphia has a 1.5 game lead over New York for the NL East title with a week left in the season.

Via Andrew Perna/RealGM

Philadelphia Phillies, New York Mets, Florida Marlins, Atlanta Braves

Read the Full Story Discuss Send Feedback Buy Tickets

Uggla: Marlins Want To Take Down Phils

Marlins' second baseman Dan Uggla says that his teammates are ready to battle with the Phillies in hopes of keeping them out of the postseason, according to Philadelphia Daily News.

"Our chances might be pretty slim to none," Uggla told reporters. "But anybody we can take down with us, we're going to do it. If we're not going, we don't want anybody else to go."

The Phillies and Marlins will begin a three-game series in Miami on Friday night.

"Look at what they did last year to the Mets, so I don't expect them to lay down," Phillies outfielder Jayson Werth said. "I don't think they expect themselves to lay down. Everyone knows what's at stake here and what these games mean. These are meaningful games for everybody. There's no easy road to the playoffs and we're going to have to play our best ball to get there."

Via Philadelphia Daily News

Philadelphia Phillies, Florida Marlins

Read the Full Story Discuss Send Feedback Buy Tickets

Marlins Concerned Hanley's Contract Will Make Him Complacent

Hanley Ramirez insists his six-year, $70 million contract won't make him complacent. But one Marlins' executive wants to see for himself.

Marlins' special assistant Andre Dawson said, "work ethic and hunger are telltale signs" if a good player wants to improve. Does Ramirez have that? "It remains to be seen, especially now that he's locked up," Dawson said. "I'd like to see a bit more hunger. That's what makes you a team leader. His intensity is yet to reach that peak. And I want to see him cut his swing down in RBI situations. He's over-swinging."

RealGM Note: Ramirez had an OPS of .957 and 20 homers in the first half, but since the break he is hitting .844 with just six homers.

Via Miami Herald

Florida Marlins

Read the Full Story Discuss Send Feedback Buy Tickets