What happened?

Ricky Nolasco shut down the Phillies offense as the Marlins took the first game of the series.

Who did what?

Joe Blanton (L, 7-6) gave up three runs in 6.2 innings on eight hits. He walked one and struck out four.

Raul Ibanez went 2 for 4 with a run.

Ben Francisco went 1 for 4 with a homer (1) and 2 RBIs.

Ricky Nolasco (W, 8-7) gave up two runs on four hits in seven innings. He walked two and struck out seven.

Nick Johnson went 2 for 3 with a homer (7) and an RBI.

Hanley Ramirez went 2 for 5 with a double (31) and a run.

Dan Uggla went 1 for 4 with a double (18) and an RBI.

Cody Ross went 1 for 4 with a homer (19) and an RBI.

What does this mean?

First and third with nobody out, and yet the Phillies were unable to score.

That was the story in the bottom of the second, when a leadoff double from Ryan Howard, followed by an infield error that allowed Raul Ibanez to reach and moved Howard to third base, put men on the corners with no outs and the Phils trailing by three.

A popup, a line-out, a walk, and a ground out followed, resulting in three men left on base and nary a run in sight.

That was how things went for the Phillies in the first game of the series with the second place Florida Marlins. Despite another solid outing from Joe Blanton, who has allowed more than three earned runs just once since May 26th, the offense was held in check by the Marlins.

While this might just qualify as one of those “shrug your shoulders and say oh well” losses, it looms large that the Marlins are only six games out, and the Phillies have a huge opportunity to bury them in the standings. Granted, a three game sweep would far from end their season, but it lessens the pressure on the Phillies the rest of the way.

All things being equal, the Phillies are still pitching well, and the six game lead in the east is quite a cushion. At least for now.

What’s next for our heroes?

In game two of the series, Cole Hamels (7-6, 4.68) takes on Sean West (3-4, 4.91.)