Bryson Stott's Three-Run Homer Lifts Phillies Past Marlins 6-5 in Mattingly's Fourth Straight Win

Key facts

• Zack Wheeler (1-0) allowed one run on three hits with eight strikeouts and two walks over six innings.
• Bryson Stott hit a three-run homer in the seventh inning off reliever Cade Gibson.
• Kyle Schwarber, who entered with an NL-leading 11 home runs, struck out five times.
• Marlins starter Eury Pérez (2-3) gave up two runs on four hits over five innings, striking out six.
• Marlins manager Clayton McCullough and outfielder Kyle Stowers were ejected by plate umpire Mark Wegner.
• Brandon Marsh left the game after being hit by a pitch on the right elbow; he was replaced due to an elbow contusion.
• Philadelphia improved to 4-0 under interim manager Don Mattingly after the win.
• The Marlins narrowed the deficit to 6-5 in the eighth and ninth innings but Brad Keller earned his first save.

Wheeler Dominates in Return from Blood Clot Surgery

Zack Wheeler, making his second start after beginning the season on the injured list, delivered six strong innings of one-run ball, striking out eight and walking two. The right-hander, who underwent surgery in September to remove a blood clot from his right shoulder, scattered three hits and improved to 1-0 on the season. His performance helped the Phillies secure a 6-5 victory over the Miami Marlins on Friday night at loanDepot park. Wheeler made his season debut on April 26 against Atlanta, pitching five innings. Against the Marlins, he allowed only a first-inning run on consecutive two-out doubles by Otto López and Xavier Edwards. López initially appeared to hit a home run, but the call was overturned after the ball deflected off center fielder Justin Crawford's glove and the wall before landing in the green background, resulting in a double.

Phillies Rally in Seventh Behind Stott's Blast

With the score tied 2-1 in the seventh inning, the Phillies broke the game open. Edmundo Sosa singled to center to drive in Bryce Harper, who had doubled earlier in the inning. Marlins reliever Cade Gibson then hit Brandon Marsh on the right elbow with a 91 mph fastball. On the next pitch, Bryson Stott launched a three-run home run over the right-field wall, extending Philadelphia's lead to 6-1. Marsh was replaced after scoring on Stott's homer due to an elbow contusion. The Phillies had taken a 2-1 lead in the fourth inning on an RBI single by Alec Bohm and a run-scoring double by Justin Crawford off Marlins starter Eury Pérez.

Marlins Mount Late Rally but Fall Short

The Marlins chipped away at the deficit in the eighth inning. Otto López singled to drive in a run, Liam Hicks added a sacrifice fly, and Agustín Ramírez singled to score another, cutting the lead to 6-4. In the ninth, Javier Sanoja walked to lead off against Phillies closer Brad Keller. After strikeouts by Jakob Marsee and Kyle Stowers, López singled to narrow the gap to 6-5. But Keller retired Xavier Edwards on a flyout to center field to earn his first save of the season. Stowers was ejected after arguing a called third strike by plate umpire Mark Wegner. Marlins manager Clayton McCullough also was ejected when he came out to question the call and Stowers' ejection.

Schwarber's Rare Off Night and Key Performances

Phillies slugger Kyle Schwarber, who entered Friday with an National League-leading 11 home runs, had an unusual night at the plate, striking out all five times he batted. Despite his struggles, Philadelphia's offense produced six runs on eight hits. Alec Bohm and Edmundo Sosa each had two hits and drove in a run, while Justin Crawford added a double and an RBI. For the Marlins, Otto López went 2-for-5 with two RBIs, and Liam Hicks drove in a run with a sacrifice fly. Eury Pérez took the loss, falling to 2-3 after allowing two runs on four hits over five innings, walking two and striking out six.

Injury Report and Upcoming Matchup

The Phillies placed Brandon Marsh on the injury list after the game due to an elbow contusion. Other Phillies on the injured list include Kyle Backhus (15-day, elbow), J.T. Realmuto (10-day, back), Max Lazar (60-day, oblique), Zach Pop (15-day, calf), and Jhoan Duran (15-day, oblique). The Marlins have Pete Fairbanks (15-day, thumb), Ronny Henriquez (60-day, elbow), Adam Mazur (60-day, elbow), and Griffin Conine (10-day, hamstring) on the injured list. Philadelphia is scheduled to start right-hander Andrew Painter (1-2, 5.25 ERA) on Saturday against Miami's right-hander Max Meyer (1-0, 3.30 ERA). The Phillies have won four straight under interim manager Don Mattingly, who took over after the team's slow start.

Standings and Season Series Implications

The victory improved the Phillies to 12-19 overall, fourth in the National League East, while the Marlins fell to 15-16, second in the division. Philadelphia has a 4-9 record on the road, while Miami is 10-6 at home. The teams are meeting for the first time this season, with Friday's game setting the tone for the series. In their last 10 games, the Marlins are 6-4 with a.239 batting average and a 3.51 ERA, outscoring opponents by four runs. The Phillies are 4-6 in their last 10, batting.237 with a 4.86 ERA, being outscored by seven runs. The Phillies are 7-4 this season when hitting at least two home runs.

The bottom line

• Zack Wheeler's strong return from shoulder surgery gives the Phillies a boost in their rotation as they try to climb out of last place.
• Bryson Stott's three-run homer in the seventh inning proved decisive, highlighting Philadelphia's power potential.
• The Marlins' late rally fell short, but their offense showed resilience against a Phillies bullpen that nearly squandered a five-run lead.
• Kyle Schwarber's five-strikeout game was an anomaly; his NL-leading home run total remains a key weapon for Philadelphia.
• Both teams face injury challenges, with Brandon Marsh's elbow contusion adding to Philadelphia's list of sidelined players.
• Saturday's matchup features Andrew Painter for the Phillies against Max Meyer, who has not lost in six starts this season.