Look Out, Below! Bullpen Falters, Marlins Lose 7-3

May 21, 2013; Miami, FL, USA; Miami Marlins starting pitcher Jose Fernandez (16) during the fifth inning against the Philadelphia Phillies at Marlins Park. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports

The Marlins’ team winning streak against the Phillies was snapped at 3 games on Tuesday night as the Phillies beat the Fish 7-3. Miami had taken the first game of the series 5-1, and also won the last two games in which the teams squared off by a combined score of 16-2.

Marlins starter Jose Fernandez was off his game, but still finished with a respectable line. The young righty gave up five hits, including a home run to Delmon Young, over his five innings of work. He walked one but struck out just two before being pulled after 79 pitches.

When Fernandez was taken out of the game, the Marlins were down 1-0 and had the tying run on third base with one out in the fifth. Pinch hitter Jordan Brown plated the run, but unfortunately it took just ten pitches for reliever Duane Below to cough up the lead. Below ultimately gave up three earned runs, as Ryan Webb allowed his two inherited runners to score. Webb then gave up two of his own runs, ending his scoreless inning steak at 17 1/3, the sixth-longest ever by a Marlins reliever.

Worth noting is that Fernandez had just three swing-and-miss strikes all game, which is one reason for his low strikeout total. Despite his stuff being off, he was able to work the Phillies hitters effectively. In 17 innings against the Phillies this season, Fernandez has struck out 16 and allowed just 1 run on 8 hits.

Up next: The Marlins will try to take the rubber game as Cliff Lee faces off against Kevin Slowey.