PHILADELPHIA (AP) — Jake Burger homered for the fourth straight game, Valente Bellozo gave up four hits in seven innings and the 75-loss Miami Marlins kept the Philadelphia Phillies in a summer swoon that has cost them the best record in baseball with a 5-0 victory on Tuesday night.
After spending much of the first three months of the season as the winningest team in baseball, the Phillies’ brutal stretch since June has raised serious concerns headed into the stretch run about a serious shot at winning a World Series championship.
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PHILADELPHIA (AP) — Jake Burger homered for the fourth straight game, Valente Bellozo gave up four hits in seven innings and the 75-loss Miami Marlins kept the Philadelphia Phillies in a summer swoon that has cost them the best record in baseball with a 5-0 victory on Tuesday night.
Miami Marlins' Jonah Bride singles to score Jake Burger during the first inning of a baseball game against the Philadelphia Phillies, Tuesday, Aug. 13, 2024, in Philadelphia. (AP Photo/Chris Szagola)
Miami Marlins starting pitcher Valente Bellozo delivers during the third inning of a baseball game against the Philadelphia Phillies, Tuesday, Aug. 13, 2024, in Philadelphia. (AP Photo/Chris Szagola)
Philadelphia Phillies' Bryce Harper, left, reacts to being called out on strikes by umpire Brennan Miller, right, during the fourth inning of a baseball game against the Miami Marlins, Tuesday, Aug. 13, 2024, in Philadelphia. (AP Photo/Chris Szagola)
Miami Marlins' Jake Burger, left, celebrates his home run with Jesus Sanchez, right, during the third inning of a baseball game against the Philadelphia Phillies, Tuesday, Aug. 13, 2024, in Philadelphia. (AP Photo/Chris Szagola)
Miami Marlins' Xavier Edwards, right, comes in to score after stealing third base and the throwing error by Philadelphia Phillies catcher J.T. Realmuto with Jesus Sanchez, left, there to celebrate during the seventh inning of a baseball game, Tuesday, Aug. 13, 2024, in Philadelphia. (AP Photo/Chris Szagola)
Miami Marlins relief pitcher Andrew Nardi, left, celebrates their win with catcher Ali Sanchez, right, after the ninth inning of a baseball game against the Philadelphia Phillies, Tuesday, Aug. 13, 2024, in Philadelphia. (AP Photo/Chris Szagola)
The Fightin’ Phils opened with the best 50-game start in baseball since the 2001 Seattle Mariners. The Fizzlin’ Phils returned from a 4-6 road trip to lose for the 16th time in 23 games since the All-Star break. They are 24-31 since June 9 and no longer boast the best record in baseball or National League. One consolation prize: The Phillies still had a seven-game lead over Atlanta in the NL East, entering Tuesday’s game.
At this losing clip, who knows if the Phillies can even keep that cushion?
Phillies manager Rob Thomson rarely calls team meetings over his three seasons but a clubhouse address could be on the horizon.
“Is it time to do it? It depends on a lot of things,” Thomson said. “It depends on the attitude and where I think the guys' minds are at. I think overall they're very solid right now. Frustrated because they know we're better than that.”
The All-Star break splits are depressing in Philly: a .259 team batting average in the first half vs. .237 since and a 3.41 team ERA in the first half to 5.07 post-break. The Phillies had a whopping plus-110 run differential edge in the first half and are minus-25 since the break.
With sluggers slumping, it might be time to shake up the lineup.
“We're getting close,” Thomson said.
Taijuan Walker (3-4) allowed three runs and walked three over four innings in his first start since June 21.
Walker, who turned 32 on Tuesday, wasn’t expected to pitch deep into the game in his return from right index finger inflammation. The veteran right-hander struggled with command and threw 34 pitches in the first inning. He walked Burger and Jesús Sánchez on a combined 10 pitches in the first, and threw a ball to Jonah Bride before catcher J.T. Realmuto hit the mound for a chat.
Walker then threw a strike — bringing a mocking cheer from the crowd — before Bride ripped an RBI single. Otto Lopez added a run-scoring single, unleashing a torrent of boos in the ballpark.
Wins or losses, Phillies fans the last two seasons had gone against the grain of their century-old reputation as a notoriously tough crowd and turned Citizens Bank Park one of the top home fields in baseball.
Against the Marlins, 42,846 restless fans were fed up.
They booed Walker. They booed each squandered at-bat against Bellozo (2-1) and two relievers, who tossed four-hit ball.
They booed when Burger hit his 23rd homer of the season and 13th since the All-Star break in the third.
They booed in the fourth when Bellozo retired Realmuto on a shallow fly to right to end the inning and leave runners stranded on second and third base.
They unloaded in the seventh when Realmuto’s wild throw to third allowed Xavier Edwards to score and even the stragglers let the Phillies have it when Sánchez went deep in the ninth to make it 5-0.
“Our fans know that we're better than that,” Thomson said. “We have very knowledgeable fans and they let you know when you're not playing well.”
Bellozo struck out four and walked one.
Kyle Schwarber, Trea Turner, Bryce Harper and Alec Bohm — the top four hitters in the lineup — went 1 for 15.
“It's not worry. Frustration,” Schwarber said. “I think worry is the wrong kind of word. If you're worried about where you're at, it's not a good thing to be.”
The Phillies hoped Walker — who had a 5.60 ERA over his first 10 starts — would be sharp enough in his return that they could turn to a six-man starting rotation down the stretch.
All they got instead was one more reason for doubt in a second-half full of dismay.
TRAINER'S ROOM
Marlins right fielder Vidal Bruján left the game with a sprained right shoulder after he made a diving catch into foul territory on Trea Turner's flyball to end the third inning.
NEXT UP
The Marlins send RHP Edward Cabrera (2-3, 5.20 ERA) to the mound against Phillies RHP Tyler Phillips (4-1, 4.83 ERA).
AP MLB: https://apnews.com/hub/mlb
Miami Marlins' Jake Burger reacts to scoring on the single by Jonah Bride during the first inning of a baseball game against the Philadelphia Phillies, Tuesday, Aug. 13, 2024, in Philadelphia. (AP Photo/Chris Szagola)
Miami Marlins' Jonah Bride singles to score Jake Burger during the first inning of a baseball game against the Philadelphia Phillies, Tuesday, Aug. 13, 2024, in Philadelphia. (AP Photo/Chris Szagola)
Miami Marlins starting pitcher Valente Bellozo delivers during the third inning of a baseball game against the Philadelphia Phillies, Tuesday, Aug. 13, 2024, in Philadelphia. (AP Photo/Chris Szagola)
Philadelphia Phillies' Bryce Harper, left, reacts to being called out on strikes by umpire Brennan Miller, right, during the fourth inning of a baseball game against the Miami Marlins, Tuesday, Aug. 13, 2024, in Philadelphia. (AP Photo/Chris Szagola)
Miami Marlins' Jake Burger, left, celebrates his home run with Jesus Sanchez, right, during the third inning of a baseball game against the Philadelphia Phillies, Tuesday, Aug. 13, 2024, in Philadelphia. (AP Photo/Chris Szagola)
Miami Marlins' Xavier Edwards, right, comes in to score after stealing third base and the throwing error by Philadelphia Phillies catcher J.T. Realmuto with Jesus Sanchez, left, there to celebrate during the seventh inning of a baseball game, Tuesday, Aug. 13, 2024, in Philadelphia. (AP Photo/Chris Szagola)
Miami Marlins relief pitcher Andrew Nardi, left, celebrates their win with catcher Ali Sanchez, right, after the ninth inning of a baseball game against the Philadelphia Phillies, Tuesday, Aug. 13, 2024, in Philadelphia. (AP Photo/Chris Szagola)
TOKYO (AP) — Japan erupted with joy Monday as the samurai series “Shogun” won a record 18 Emmys for its first season.
It took home prizes including Outstanding Drama Series, as star and co-producer Hiroyuki Sanada became the first Japanese actor to win the Emmy for best lead actor in a dramatic series. Co-star Anna Sawai won best actress in a dramatic series, also a first for Japan.
“You did it. You did it. Congratulations,” Takashi Yamazaki, director of ” Godzilla Minus One,” wrote on social media.
People followed the awards live as the wins made national headlines. Entertainment media Oricon proudly reported that a work whose spoken lines were mostly in the Japanese language “made Emmy history.”
“The grand scale of Hollywood combined with the high quality of the production, including costuming, props and mannerisms; the collaboration between the Japanese professional team, headed by producer Sanada, and the local production team; as well as the acting that delivered a strong sense of reality, all came together,” the report said.
Actor Kento Kaku, who starred in the 2024 series "Like a Dragon: Yakuza,” said he was feeling inspired to pursue Hollywood dreams.
“After seeing how cool that was, who’s not going to want to take up the challenge,” he wrote on X.
Actress Tomoko Mariya said she broke into tears the moment Sanada’s win was announced.
“What hardships you must have endured, choosing to leave your entire career behind in Japan and going to America alone. But it has borne fruit,” she wrote, referring to Sanada’s move to Los Angeles 20 years ago.
The accolades for “Shogun” reflect not only the growing diversity in American entertainment, but also the legacy of Japan's “jidaigeki” samurai films, which have influenced directors worldwide.
The first Asian actor to win the Emmy for Best Lead Actor in a Dramatic Series was Lee Jung-jae, for the hit 2022 Korean series “Squid Game.”
Sanada is one of a handful of Japanese actors to land major Hollywood roles, including “The Last Samurai,” released in 2003, and “The 47 Ronin,” starring Keanu Reeves in 2013.
The role Sanada plays in “Shogun” was first portrayed by Toshiro Mifune in the 1980s.
Sanada, who also starred in Yoji Yamada ’s 2002 “Twilight Samurai,” alluded to those who went before him in his acceptance speech.
“I thank all those who supported and kept the legacy of jidaigeki alive,” he said in his speech in Japanese, clutching his trophy.
“The passion and dreams we inherited traveled across the seas and crossed borders.”
Yuri Kageyama is on X: https://x.com/yurikageyama
Michael Cliett, winner of the award for outstanding special visual effects in a season or a movie for "Shogun", poses in the press room during the 76th Primetime Emmy Awards on Sunday, Sept. 15, 2024, at the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Jae C. Hong)
Anna Sawai, left, winner of the award for outstanding lead actress in a drama series for "Shogun", and Hiroyuki Sanada, winner of the awards for outstanding lead actor in a drama series, and outstanding drama series for "Shogun" pose in the press room during the 76th Primetime Emmy Awards on Sunday, Sept. 15, 2024, at the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Jae C. Hong)
Gina Torres, far left, Viola Davis, center, and Christine Baranski present the award for outstanding lead actress in a drama series to Anna Sawai for "Shogun" during the 76th Primetime Emmy Awards on Sunday, Sept. 15, 2024, at the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Chris Pizzello)
Michael Cliett, winner of the award for outstanding special visual effects in a season or a movie for "Shogun", poses in the press room during the 76th Primetime Emmy Awards on Sunday, Sept. 15, 2024, at the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Jae C. Hong)
Ezra Frech, from left, and Jane Lynch present the award for outstanding directing for a drama series to Frederick E.O. Toye for "Shogun" during the 76th Primetime Emmy Awards on Sunday, Sept. 15, 2024, at the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Chris Pizzello)
Ilona Mahler, from left, Brendan Hunt, Caeleb Dressel, Ezra Frech, and Jane Lynch present the award for outstanding directing for a drama series to Frederick E.O. Toye, center, for "Shogun" during the 76th Primetime Emmy Awards on Sunday, Sept. 15, 2024, at the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Chris Pizzello)
Justin Marks, left center, and Hiroyuki Sanada, center right, and the team from "Shogun" accepts the award for outstanding drama series during the 76th Primetime Emmy Awards on Sunday, Sept. 15, 2024, at the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Chris Pizzello)
Hiroyuki Sanada, center, winner of the award for outstanding lead actor in a drama series for "Shogun" poses in the press room with the team from "Shogun", winners for award for for outstanding drama series, during the 76th Primetime Emmy Awards on Sunday, Sept. 15, 2024, at the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Jae C. Hong)
Justin Marks, left, and Hiroyuki Sanada embrace as they accept the award for outstanding drama series for "Shogun" during the 76th Primetime Emmy Awards on Sunday, Sept. 15, 2024, at the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Chris Pizzello)
Anna Sawai wipes her tears as she accepts the award for outstanding lead actress in a drama series for "Shogun" during the 76th Primetime Emmy Awards on Sunday, Sept. 15, 2024, at the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Chris Pizzello)
Ludmila Cliett, left, and Michael Cliett, winner of the award for outstanding special visual effects in a season or a movie for "Shogun", pose in the press room during the 76th Primetime Emmy Awards on Sunday, Sept. 15, 2024, at the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Jae C. Hong)
Justin Marks, center, Hiroyuki Sanada, and the team from "Shogun" accept the award for outstanding drama series during the 76th Primetime Emmy Awards on Sunday, Sept. 15, 2024, at the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Chris Pizzello)
Justin Marks, left center, and Hiroyuki Sanada, center right, and the team from "Shogun" accepts the award for outstanding drama series during the 76th Primetime Emmy Awards on Sunday, Sept. 15, 2024, at the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Chris Pizzello)
Martin Sheen, far left, Dule Hill, Allison Janney, Janel Moloney, and Richard Schiff present the award for outstanding drama series to Justin Marks, center, and Hiroyuki Sanda for "Shogun" during the 76th Primetime Emmy Awards on Sunday, Sept. 15, 2024, at the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Chris Pizzello)
Justin Marks, left center, and Hiroyuki Sanada, center right, and the team from "Shogun" accepts the award for outstanding drama series during the 76th Primetime Emmy Awards on Sunday, Sept. 15, 2024, at the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Chris Pizzello)
Justin Marks, left center, and Hiroyuki Sanada, center right, and the team from "Shogun" accepts the award for outstanding drama series during the 76th Primetime Emmy Awards on Sunday, Sept. 15, 2024, at the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Chris Pizzello)
Hiroyuki Sanada, center, and the team from "Shogun" accepts the award for outstanding drama series during the 76th Primetime Emmy Awards on Sunday, Sept. 15, 2024, at the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Chris Pizzello)
Anna Sawai wipes her tears as she accepts the award for outstanding lead actress in a drama series for "Shogun" during the 76th Primetime Emmy Awards on Sunday, Sept. 15, 2024, at the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Chris Pizzello)
Anna Sawai accepts the award for outstanding lead actress in a drama series for "Shogun" during the 76th Primetime Emmy Awards on Sunday, Sept. 15, 2024, at the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Chris Pizzello)
Hiroyuki Sanada accepts the award for outstanding lead actor in a drama series for "Shogun" during the 76th Primetime Emmy Awards on Sunday, Sept. 15, 2024, at the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Chris Pizzello)
Anna Sawai, left, winner of the award for outstanding lead actress in a drama series for "Shogun", and Hiroyuki Sanada, winner of the awards for outstanding lead actor in a drama series, and outstanding drama series for "Shogun" pose in the press room during the 76th Primetime Emmy Awards on Sunday, Sept. 15, 2024, at the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Jae C. Hong)
