14-k gem, comeback catapult Marlins

PHILADELPHIA — The Marlins continue to be one of the best stories in baseball this season.

Following Jose Fernandez’s 14 strikeouts in 6 1/3 innings for Miami, Marcell Ozuna knocked in the game-tying run with two outs in the ninth and Martin Prado hit the game-winning home run in the 11th to beat the Phillies on Monday night at Citizens Bank Park, 3-2. The victory moved the Marlins into sole possession of the second National League Wild Card, one game ahead of the Mets.

“You kinda feel like you stole that one, but that’s what you’ve gotta do to be a good team,” Marlins left fielder Christian Yelich said. “That was a big win for us.”

It was the first win for the Marlins this season when they were trailing after eight innings. They had previously been 0-40.

“I think [the come-from-behind win] gives you confidence from the standpoint that you’re not out of games,” Marlins manager Don Mattingly said. “Even in a game where we basically got handcuffed most of the night, our pitching kept us there … in striking distance, where we’re able to get to the point where one baserunner changes the game.”

The Phillies’ bullpen spoiled a superb effort from right-hander Aaron Nola, who had struggled in his previous five starts. Nola allowed two hits and struck out five in six scoreless innings. He had been in line for the win until Phillies closer Jeanmar Gomez blew his third save of the season in the ninth.

“It’s a shame we couldn’t hold onto that lead in the ninth,” Phillies manager Pete Mackanin said. “But the good news was Nola. He pitched really well. He was painting both sides of the plate. He had his fastball working on both corners, down in the zone. Very encouraging.”

MOMENTS THAT MATTEREDNola returns to form: The Phillies skipped Nola’s last start before the All-Star break, saying he needed to clear his mind after posting a 13.50 ERA in his previous five starts. Nola disputed he needed a mental break, but whatever the reason for his struggles, he looked like himself again.

“It was a tough month for me,” Nola said afterward. “Those two weeks off felt like a really long time, and I was ready to get back on the mound.”

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