sports
Philadelphia Phillies Narrow NL East Gap to 2.5 Games After 18-9 June
The Phillies improved from 9.5 games behind the Atlanta Braves to 2.5 games by July 1 after firing manager Rob Thomson. The Miami Marlins posted the best record in June at 20-6 and moved into a tie for the third wild-card spot.
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The Philadelphia Phillies closed to within 2.5 games of the Atlanta Braves in the NL East standings by July 1 after going 18-9 in June. The team entered the month at 30-29 and trailed by 9.5 games before firing manager Rob Thomson. Interim manager Don Mattingly oversaw the turnaround.
Kyle Schwarber became the first major leaguer to reach 30 home runs this season. 908 OPS through the end of June. Brandon Marsh produced a breakout All-Star season. Cristopher Sanchez stayed in the Cy Young conversation.
Zack Wheeler returned from thoracic outlet syndrome. Jhoan Duran dominated the ninth inning. The Miami Marlins recorded the best record in June by winning 20 of 26 games. 798 OPS that ranked tied for fourth in MLB.
As of July 1 the Marlins sat tied with the St. Louis Cardinals for the third wild-card spot. The club carries the sport's lowest payroll and the second-lowest attendance. Sandy Alcantara, Max Meyer and Eury Perez formed the Marlins' rotation.
The New York Mets extended an early-season decline. The Atlanta Braves and New York Yankees both saw reduced offensive output during the month.
