PHILADELPHIA (AP)—Nolasco pitched seven sharp innings, Nick Johnson and Cody Ross hit solo homers and the Florida Marlins beat the Philadelphia Phillies 3-2 Friday night.
Series at a Glance

Fresh off getting swept by last-place Washington, the Marlins snapped a three-game losing streak in the opener of a crucial series for them against the NL East-leading Phillies. Florida moved within six games of Philadelphia, which has lost six of nine.

Ben Francisco hit a two-run homer for the Phillies, who got another strong outing from Joe Blanton (7-6). He gave up three runs and eight hits in 6 2-3 innings, and has allowed three runs or less in eight straight starts.

Just what the Marlins needed after the “WTF in Washington” (trademark pending). Ricky Nolasco went out there and threw another gem since coming back, pitching 7 innings of 4 hit, 2 run ball while striking out 7 and walking 2. The only mistake was a 2-run homer in the 7th inning that would have been an out in any other stadium. He’s really come back into his own since returning from AAA and has just gotten better since the break, putting up a 2.43 ERA with the Marlins winning 4 out of his 5 starts. After that, the back of Marlins bullpen did what it’s done best out of late, not giving up runs. Leo Nunez slammed the door on the Phillies with only 5 pitches, including a strikeout to start the inning off. After his recent rest period, not pitching since August 1st, his changeup looked the best it has looked in a month.

Offensively, the Marlins are still showing issues getting a “big hit”. They were having problems with RISP again, only going 2-10. Of the 12 men that reached base, only 3 scored. On a positive note, Nick “Big Stick” Johnson hit his first homer in teal. He’s been awesome with the Fish, reaching base every single game since he’s joined the team with a .567 OBP.

But now that we’re done with all of that, it’s time for everyone’s favorite segment, the Craig Counsell Hero of the Game Award!

Today’s winner is…

For being ridiculously awesome, Ricky Nolasco is your Craig Counsell Hero of the Game Award!

Also, it’s worth noting that the Marlins have announced Sean West as the starter of Saturday’s game vs the Phillies. To open his roster spot they’ve optioned Luis Ayala to AAA New Orleans.