Bryce Harper's solo home run all Phillies need in Monday's Marlins loss

[Alex Krutchik]

MIAMI -- Aaron Nola is still a good pitcher.

Maybe there was some doubt when the 32-year old came into Monday’s bout against Miami with a 6.03 ERA in six starts in 2026. He was also coming off a two-game stretch against the Chicago Cubs and Atlanta Braves that saw him allow 11 earned runs and seven walks across nine combined innings.

It seems he just needed a trip to south Florida to get back on track.

Nola shut out the Marlins over six innings in a 1-0 Phillies win. He struck out five and didn’t allow a walk. All five hits the right-hander surrendered were singles -- some aided by poor defense by shortstop Trea Turner. 

Only one Marlins baserunner got into scoring position: Jacob Marsee moved to second base on a Kyle Stowers groundout in the sixth. 

“He’s always been able to really spin the ball,” Marlins manager Clayton McCullough said postgame. “And it's unique how he can get in the low 70s, but the amount of spin and break that he's able to put on it … he executed well and was able to move the ball around.”

The Phillies bullpen continued carving through the Marlins lineup, allowing just two hits and no runs over the next three innings.

As good as Nola was on Monday, he was only one pitch better than Marlins starter Janson Junk. 

Junk’s only run allowed was a solo home run to Bryce Harper in the third inning. Harper, (2-for-3 with a double) was the only Phillies batter to get an extra-base hit against Junk. The 30-year-old right-hander allowed five hits and zero walks, and struck out a season-high six hitters.

Harper continued his tear against the Marlins as his home run was the 17th of his career at loanDepot park and his 39th against Miami overall. 

Junk has excelled in his role at the back end of Miami’s rotation, capitalizing even further on last year’s breakout season that saw him post a 2.68 ERA in the first half. He has a similar mark of 2.82 in seven starts this year. He’s allowed one run in his last three starts, one of which was a shutout against a Los Angeles Dodgers lineup that's second in the majors in batting average and OPS.

“Overall, I thought it was solid. I left the game in a good spot and a chance to score some runs.(Relief pitcher John) King coming in and getting out of the inning for me was big time. Just unfortunate we couldn't come away with it.”

Joe Mack debut:

The No. 3 prospect in the Marlins organization made his Major League debut on Monday night. Batting 7th and catching, Mack went 0-for-3 with a fielder's choice. Mack told reporters postgame that every Phillies hitter offered him some type of congratulations as they stepped to the plate for the first time. 

"Yeah, that was really cool. They'd say hey to the umpire and then tell me congrats," Mack said. He also was able to make small talk with Bryce Harper while standing at first base, which the 23-year-old rookie will remember forever. 

Mack had several family friends and family in attendance for his start, and they will be there throughout the home stand. 

Notes:

John King has stranded 16 of 18 inherited runners this year.

Connor Norby subbed in at third base in the ninth inning. It was his second inning in that spot this season.

Pregame, Clayton McCullough told reporters that he expects Mack to receive a solid amount of playing time. Liam Hicks will most likely start behind the dish against left-handed starters and will be at 1B/DH against righties. 

Agustin Ramirez, who was optioned to Triple-A Jacksonville, will continue to see reps at catcher to further his development. 

 

 

 

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