Janson Junk struggled to close the third inning, third baseman Javier Sanoja was stripped of a game-tying play, and the Miami Marlins fell 6-5 to the Philadelphia Phillies in the series opener on Monday.

Center fielder Esteury Ruiz, second baseman Xavier Edwards, designated hitter Agustin Ramirez, shortstop Otto Lopez, Sanoja, and catcher Brian Navarreto each had two hits, but it wasn’t enough to complete a comeback.

Junk (6-8) was credited with the loss and Cristopher Sanchez (16-4) leads the league in wins among pitchers. The Marlins (64-62) revert to two games above .500 and 3.5 games behind the San Diego Padres for the last Wild Card spot in the National League. Meanwhile, the Philles (68-58) are winners of four straight.

Third Inning

After a couple of scoreless innings, the Phillies broke through as center fielder Justin Crawford doubled, then shortstop Trea Turner drove him in for the game’s first run. Right fielder Bryce Harper was walked and second baseman Luis Arraez drove in another to give the team an early 2-0 advantage.

The Marlins carved out a double play, but Junk struggled to get out of the inning. He wound up throwing 37 pitches before left fielder Brandon Marsh grounded out to close the third.

Fourth Inning

Despite facing a 2-0 deficit, the Marlins had opportunities to respond. After Sanchez walked Ramirez, Lopez singled to center field. The Marlins failed to advance the base runners, as Sanoja grounded out, first baseman Leo Jimenez struck out swinging, and right fielder Griffin Conine popped out.

Fifth Inning

Another opportunity was presented to the Marlins to even the score.

Navarreto singled, then center fielder Esteury Ruiz bunted and reached first base successfully. However, left fielder Herbierto Hernandez hit an 85.6-mile changeup to Stott, which led to a double play. Edwards grounded out and the Marlins were back on defense.

Sixth Inning

The Marlins finally caught a break and scored a run.

Ramirez doubled, but he was tagged at third, as Lopez reached first on a fielder’s choice. Jimenez walked and Conine drove in a run to cut the deficit in half. However, the Marlins’ efforts were met with rainy conditions. The umpires didn’t call a weather delay; the game continued.

John King first took the mound following Junk’s five-inning outing. He expressed clear frustration with the lack of control on his pitches, given the conditions. King walked Stott and catcher J.T. Realmuto, then pinch-hitter Derek Hill and Arraez each drove in a run.

Seventh Inning

Just when the game was going the Marlins’ way, controversy struck.

With two outs on the board, Edwards and Ramirez singled, then Lopez walked to load the bases. Sanoja hit an 86.1-mile slider for a line drive to right field, which could’ve cleared the bases and tied the game. However, first-base umpire Shane Livensparger initially called a foul ball. The Marlins challenged; the call was overturned, but only two runners scored, which kept them trailing by a run.

Eighth Inning

Navarreto slugged a solo homer to left field, which kept the Marlins within a run. He took 38-year-old reliever Brooks Raley 368 feet deep on a 103.4 exit velocity. It was Navarreto’s first home run of the season, off an 87.4-mile cutter thrown above the strike zone.

The Phillies responded for extra leeway. Harper singled, then first baseman Alec Holm drove him in to build a two-run lead.

Ninth Inning

Edwards immediately started with a single, then Lopez drove him in for a one-run deficit. However, with two outs on the board, Jimenez forced a tag at second to end the game.

The Marlins will have an opportunity to re-enter the win column on Tuesday, second game of the series, first pitch scheduled for 6:40 p.m. E.T.

Anthony Aguirre covers the Miami Hurricanes, Miami Heat, and Miami Marlins for Roundtable Sports. Contact info for tips/info: alexagmu@gmail.com & 305-987-3290 | Follow on Instagram/X: @AnthonyA_Sports