Jeremy Hellickson's 30th start as a Phillie was his best.
The Phillies' five-spot in the first inning Saturday night was more than enough for Hellickson, who pitched a three-hit shutout against the Marlins to lower his ERA to 3.57.
It was Hellickson's first shutout in nearly six years and his first complete game in his last 136 starts.
The Phillies scored five runs in the first inning and two more in the second en route to an 8-0 win. The margin of victory matched the Phils' largest of the year — they also won 8-0 in Arizona on June 27.
The key blow was A.J. Ellis' three-run double in the first, the Phillies' third of the inning.
The Phils have won two in a row and three of their last four games. This is their second straight series win over the Marlins, the only team they've defeated in a series since sweeping the Rockies Aug. 12-14.
MLB
The win makes the Phillies 67-82. Their over-under win total was 65.5. They're on pace to finish 73-89, which would be a 10-win upgrade over last season.
Starting pitching report
Hellickson continues to earn himself more money on the free-agent market. It's an extremely thin class of starting pitchers and Hellickson will be right toward the top after his rebound 2016 season.
Through 30 starts, Hellickson is 12-9 with a 3.57 ERA. He's walked a career-low 2.08 batters per nine innings this season, pitching 35⅓ more innings than he did last season and walking one fewer batter.
Hellickson was especially strong this season against the Marlins. In six starts against them, he went 3-1 with a 2.01 ERA, walking just three batters in 40⅓ innings.
Marlins right-hander Jose Urena lasted just two innings and allowed seven runs on four extra-base hits. The Phillies scored 13 runs off him in 15⅔ innings this season.
At the plate
Tommy Joseph hit his 20th home run of the season in the second inning, a two-run shot to the deepest part of the park in left-center. For Joseph, the 20th bomb came in his 315th plate appearance. That's pretty remarkable power production in limited time.
Since 1995, only four rookies hit 20-plus home runs in fewer than 375 plate appearances: George Springer, Garrett Jones, Chris Duncan and Ryan Howard. It doesn't seem likely Joseph will get to 375 PAs.
Odubel Herrera doubled for a fourth straight night and had his fourth multi-hit game in his last five. He's 10 for 20 with four doubles and five runs in his last five games. It's a welcome sign, Herrera's turning things around late in the season after scuffling for most of the second half.
After going 0 for 4 with three strikeouts on Thursday and sitting Friday, Maikel Franco went 2 for 4 with a double and two RBIs. Franco hasn't homered in 93 plate appearances.
Roman Quinn reached base twice more, walking and hitting another infield single, his fourth when you include his two bunt hits.
Scratched
Ryan Howard was initially in the Phillies' lineup Saturday but was removed because of soreness in his left knee. Howard said there's some fluid in the knee. It's unclear whether he'll be able to return Sunday. The Phillies are off Monday before playing the White Sox at home Tuesday and Wednesday.
Up next
Alec Asher (1-0, 1.46) makes his third start Sunday and looks to keep spotting his new two-seam fastball low in the zone.
He's opposed by Marlins right-hander Andrew Cashner, who is 5-11 with a 5.22 ERA. Cashner beat the Phillies on Sept. 7 with 5⅓ scoreless innings.