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.