PHILADELPHIA - Poor hitting, sloppy defence and another loss for the Philadelphia Phillies.

At least for fewer people are coming to boo.

David Phelps tossed three-hit ball over seven innings, Martin Prado drove in four runs and Adeiny Hechavarria had four hits to help the Miami Marlins beat the Phillies 9-1 Thursday.

The announced crowd of 17,097 that came to see the two worst teams in the NL East on a chilly day was the smallest in the 11-year history of Citizens Bank Park.

"We've got some work to do," manager Ryne Sandberg said. "We've got to tighten up our defence and play smarter. It was not a good game for us."

Fundamentals have been a problem for the Phillies whether it's the inability to bunt, play situational ball or make routine fielding plays.

"It's been frustrating," Sandberg said. "It's a priority. We've got to work on it. It's been disappointing."

Giancarlo Stanton hit a two-run homer and Hechavarria drove in three runs for Miami, which has won two straight games after losing five in a row.

Phelps (1-0) struck out five to earn his first win since joining the Marlins after three seasons with the Yankees. Cesar Hernandez hit a sacrifice fly off Nick Masset in the ninth to end the shutout bid.

Dustin McGowan (0-1) was roughed up in his first start for Philadelphia. He allowed four runs and three hits, walking four in 3 1-3 innings.

"I just didn't have it," McGowan said.

Hechavarria and Prado hit two-run singles in the fourth to give the Marlins a 4-0 lead.

McGowan walked the bases loaded before Hechavarria ended his day with a line-drive single. Reliever Hector Neris hit Phelps with a pitch and after Dee Gordon struck out, Prado bounced a single past third baseman Cody Asche to drive in two more for a 4-0 lead.

Prado hit a two-run double off Justin De Fratus in the sixth. Stanton then lined his fourth homer of the season into the left-field seats.

RUF'S STUFF

Darin Ruf hit a career-best two doubles, including one that should've been a homer but was blown way back onto the field and fell in front of Ichiro Suzuki in left field.

"I just wanted to have some good at-bats and make solid contact," Ruf said. "We've been hitting some balls hard right at people. Hopefully that will change soon."

TRAINER'S ROOM

Phillies: McGowan started because RHP Sean O'Sullivan was put on the 15-day disabled list Wednesday because of tendinitis in his left knee.

UP NEXT

Phillies: RHP Aaron Harang (2-1, 1.96) faces his 2014 team when the Phillies host Atlanta on Friday.