Phillies 4, Marlins 2
MIAMI -- Aaron Altherr and Darin Ruf hit consecutive homers in the ninth inning as the Philadelphia Phillies rallied for a 4-2 win over the Miami Marlins on Saturday night at Marlins Park.
It was the first time all season the Phillies have hit back-to-back homers.
Miami led 2-0 with two outs in the eighth but gave up the four runs -- three of them on solo homers.
The Phillies (49-74) have the worst record in the majors but are just one game behind the Marlins (50-73) in the National League East.
Marlins closer A.J. Ramos (1-4), who gave up the two homers in the ninth, took the loss.
Miami opened the scoring in the third inning. After Miami loaded the bases with two outs, left fielder Derek Dietrich selected the first pitch and hit a two-run double halfway up the wall in left. He likely would have gotten three RBIs on the play except for the fact that slow-footed first baseman Justin Bour was on the bases and was held up at third.
The Phillies tied the score with a two-out, two-run rally in the eighth. The scoring started when pinch-hitter Darnell Sweeney homered to left center for his first major-league hit. The homer came on the first pitch of the at-bat.
Sweeney, who was 0-for-2 in the majors before that at-bat, grew up locally, playing at American High in Miami Dade County. He was also the Marlins' 41st-round pick in 2009, passing up their offer to play for the University of Central Florida.
Marlins rookie Justin Nicolino, who had been four outs away from a shutout until that point, was apparently rattled by Sweeney's blast. Nicolino gave up a single to the next batter, second baseman Cesar Hernandez, and was removed from the game.
Miami reliever Bryan Morris entered the game and gave up a tying double on a 1-2 pitch to third baseman Andres Blanco.
Nicolino, who pitched a career-high 7 2/3 innings in just his fifth major-league start, got a no-decision, allowing five hits, one walk and two runs.
Phillies veteran right-hander Aaron Harang, who appeared headed for his 15th loss of the season before Sweeney's homer got things started, escaped with a no-decision. Harang pitched well, allowing just two hits, four walks and two runs in seven innings.
NOTES: Marlins RHP Jarred Cosart (vertigo) pitched a rehab game on Saturday, tossing 60 pitches and topping out at 95 mph. Marlins manager Dan Jennings said Cosart probably needs two more rehab starts before he is ready to return. ... Marlins OF Cole Gillespie, who sprained his left wrist while attempting a diving catch on Friday, took batting practice and will not miss time. ... Marlins RHP Carter Capps will throw his second bullpen session on Sunday and then progress toward a rehab stint. Jennings said Capps is about a week away from returning. ... RHP Jerad Eickhoff on Friday became the first Phillies starting pitcher ever to have multiple RBIs in his major league debut. He also became the first Phillies pitcher since Dave Downs in 1972 to win his major league debut while also getting at least one RBI. ... Phillies 1B Ryan Howard on Friday had his first three-double game since 2008. Howard also moved past Del Ennis for second place on the Phillies' list for career RBIs.