Phillies beat Marlins 5-2 on June 17, 2025, as Trea Turner's leadoff HR & Mick Abel's pitching lead the way. See how the Phils won their 5th straight.
StatPro MLB Beat Reporter
If you were worried about how the Phillies would fare without Bryce Harper, Aaron Nola, and Bryson Stott, Tuesday night should have calmed your nerves. The Fightin' Phils just keep finding ways to win, extending their streak to five games with a decisive 5-2 victory over the Marlins in Miami. It was a classic 'next man up' performance, powered by a leadoff blast from Trea Turner and gutsy outings from the kids on the mound.
The Phillies have now won five straight and are 14 games over .500, all while their MVP, ace, and starting second baseman are on the injured list.
You couldn't have scripted a better start. Trea Turner, looking every bit the superstar shortstop, ambushed the Marlins by sending the very first pitch of the game into the seats. He didn't stop there, finishing the night 3-for-5 with two RBIs. The offense kept chipping away, with Max Kepler adding a solo shot of his own (his ninth of the year) before Alec Bohm delivered the knockout blow—a two-run single in the top of the ninth that gave the bullpen all the breathing room it needed.
The story of this winning streak is the emergence of the rookies, and tonight was their showcase. Top prospect Mick Abel took the mound and looked composed, earning his second big-league win with five solid innings of one-run ball. He's stabilizing a rotation that desperately needs it. Then, to close it out, the Phillies turned to another rookie, Orion Kerkering. He stepped into the ninth inning and was simply perfect, retiring the side in order to lock down his first career MLB save. It was a milestone moment for Kerkering, who is quickly becoming a go-to arm in the bullpen.
Let's not forget the context here. This five-game tear is happening without the team's core. Bryce Harper (wrist), Aaron Nola (ribs), and Bryson Stott (elbow) all remain on the IL. While their absence is felt, the team has shown incredible character and depth. Players are stepping up across the board, from the veterans like Turner and Kepler to the rookies like Abel and Kerkering. The fact that they're not just surviving, but thriving, speaks volumes about the culture in that clubhouse.
And if the current crop of rookies isn't enough to get you excited, the latest update from the farm system should do the trick. Utility man Otto Kemp is tearing it up in Triple-A, boasting double-digit homers and steals, and looks poised for a call-up this summer. Meanwhile, Aroon Escobar is rocketing up the prospect lists after a hot start in Low-A. The best news might be that ace-in-the-making Andrew Painter is fully recovered from his Tommy John surgery, a huge boost for the future. The pipeline is churning, promising even more help is on the way.
This win was more than just another notch in the belt; it was a statement. This Phillies team is deep, resilient, and playing with a ton of confidence. As they look to secure another series win against the Marlins, they're proving they can win any way, with anyone. Getting the stars back will be a huge boost, but for now, it's thrilling to watch the whole roster contribute to one of the hottest streaks in baseball.
