Phillies top Marlins 5-2 on June 17, 2025, as rookies Mick Abel (W) and Orion Kerkering (S) shine. See how their milestone performances fueled the win.
StatPro MLB Beat Reporter
Another day, another Phillies win. The Fightins extended their winning streak to a sizzling five games on Tuesday, dispatching the Marlins 5-2 in a game that showcased both the team's veteran firepower and its exciting youth movement. From Trea Turner's game-opening homer to Orion Kerkering's first career save, it was a complete team effort that proves this squad knows how to win in more ways than one.
The Phillies have now scored 56 first-inning runs this season, second-most in MLB.
It's becoming a trademark of the 2025 Phillies: jump on opponents early. Trea Turner wasted no time, launching the very first pitch of the game into the seats for a leadoff home run. It set the tone immediately and added to the team's impressive total of 56 first-inning runs. While the offense hummed, it was a rookie who closed the door. Reliever Orion Kerkering entered in the ninth and was perfect, retiring all three batters he faced to lock down his first-ever MLB save. It was a milestone moment for the hard-throwing righty and a perfect bookend to the victory.
The biggest story of the night might have been the kid on the mound. In just his fourth big-league start, Mick Abel looked like a seasoned veteran. He navigated the Marlins' lineup for five strong innings, allowing just one run on three hits to earn his second win. His biggest test came in the second inning when Miami loaded the bases, but Abel didn't flinch, getting a huge assist from Bryson Stott, who made a spectacular diving catch on a line drive to end the threat. It was a glimpse of the poise and talent that has fans so excited about Abel's future.
While the rookies were making headlines, the rest of the lineup provided crucial support. Max Kepler added a solo homer of his own, but it was Alec Bohm who delivered the dagger. With the lead at a slightly uncomfortable 3-2 in the top of the ninth, Bohm stepped to the plate and laced a two-run single to provide the insurance the team needed. His 2-for-4 night was a reminder of how deep this lineup is, capable of manufacturing runs from top to bottom, even with key players like Bryce Harper, Aaron Nola, and Bryson Stott still on the mend.
This five-game winning streak isn't a fluke. The Phillies are proving they are one of the league's elite teams, ranking second in batting average (.257) and seventh in runs scored. And the good news doesn't stop at the major league level. The farm system is churning out talent, with infielder Otto Kemp looking like a prime candidate for a summer call-up and Aroon Escobar surging into top prospect lists. With Andrew Painter back on the mound after Tommy John surgery, the pipeline of talent is flowing, ensuring that nights like the one Abel and Kerkering just had could become a regular occurrence.
With another win in the books, the Phillies will look to secure the series win against the Marlins tomorrow. This stretch has been a testament to the team's depth and resilience. As young players continue to step up and the veterans keep delivering, the excitement for what this team can accomplish in 2025 is only growing.
