Phillies LHP Adam Morgan looks to end 9-game losing decision streak against Urena, Marlins

By Matt Rappa, Sports Talk Philly editor

MIAMI — The Philadelphia Phillies (61-76) will vie for their first series win since August 12-14 behind southpaw Adam Morgan, as they oppose RHP Jose Urena and the National League Wild Card-hopeful Miami Marlins (68-70) Tuesday evening at Marlins Park.

Morgan will also look to snap his nine-game losing decision streak, having not won a game since May 10 in a seven-inning, one-run outing against the Atlanta Braves at Turner Field.

Since sweeping the Colorado Rockies, the Phillies have gone 5-13 in their 18 games since August 16 and have been outscored 102-52 by their opponents. Meanwhile, the Marlins have lost nine of their last 10 games and have fallen to five games behind the St. Louis Cardinals for the second spot in the National League Wild Card.

Starting Pitching Matchup:

Adam Morgan — Age: 26;

• Last Start: August 31, 2016, vs. WSN: L, 6.2 IP, 3 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 5 SO, HR
• Career vs. MIA: (0-0), 1 G, 1 GS, 6.1 IP, 4 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 3 BB, 3 SO, 2.84 ERA

Since being recalled from Triple-A Lehigh Valley on August 14 to replace injured RHP Zach Eflin (knee, foot), Morgan is 0-2 with a 4.79 ERA through four starts and 20 2/3 innings pitched.

The Phillies southpaw has lost 12 of his last 13 decisions dating back to Sept. 4 of last season. He will be making his first career appearance at Marlins Park, with his only previous outing against the Marlins coming on July 17, 2015 at Citizens Bank Park.

Jose Urena — Age: 24;

• Last Start: Sept. 1, 2016, at NYM: W, 6.0 IP, 4 H, R, ER, 2 BB, 2 SO, HR
• Career vs. PHI: (0-0), 5 G, 1 GS, 2 GF, 9.2 IP, 6 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 2 BB, 8 SO, 2 HR, 1.86 ERA

Since making his first start of the season on July 19 against the Phillies at Citizens Bank Park, following 16 relief appearances from April 22-May 30, Urena is 2-4 with a 4.31 and a 29-13 strikeout-to-walk ratio through seven starts and 39 2/3 innings.

Starting Lineups:

Broadcast Information:

• First pitch: 7:10 p.m.
• TV: CSN
• Radio: SportsRadio 94 WIP

Game Notes:

• Phillies shortstop Freddy Galvis has hit safely in 17 of his last 20 games, batting .264/.312/.556 with eight singles, six doubles, five home runs, four walks and 11 RBIs spanning 77 plate appearances.
• The Marlins have not homered in eight straight games at Marlins Park, two shy of their franchise record of 10 at the venue from May 17-June 1, 2013. They currently have three qualifying batters hitting .300 or higher: third baseman Martin Prado (.315), catcher J.T. Realmuto (.311) and left fielder Christian Yelich (.304). Prado's average is the sixth-best in the National League and the second-best in the National League East, trailing just Washington Nationals second baseman Daniel Murphy (.340).
• Phillies outfielder Tyler Goeddel and first baseman Tommy Joseph have a combined two home runs in three career plate appearances against Urena. Meanwhile, Prado, Realmuto and Yelich are a combined 0-8 in their careers against Morgan with two strikeouts.

Standings:

What's Next:

• Wednesday, Sept. 7, 2016: at Miami Marlins, 7:10 p.m.
• Marlins Park
  
• RHP Jeremy Hellickson (10-8, 3.88 ERA) vs. RHP Andrew Cashner (4-11, 5.00 ERA)
• TV: CSN; Radio: SportsRadio 94 WIP