Speed on the Bases Pays Off

The 2-0 record is a pleasant change for the Phillies under new manager Larry Bowa. Last year they started 0-3, and were 7-18 and 18-33 on their way to a 65-97 finish, which tied for worst in the major leagues.

For the Marlins, the two narrow losses represent a reversal. Last year they were 32-20 in one-run games, best in the National League.

Hunter led off the seventh with a single off reliever Braden Looper (0-1) and stole second. Doug Glanville then hit a drive over the head of center fielder Preston Wilson, who was playing shallow. When Wilson made the catch sprinting toward the wall, Hunter tagged up at second, never hesitated rounding third and narrowly beat the throw home.

Five Philadelphia pitchers combined for 12 strikeouts. New Phillies closer Jose Mesa, who blew a save Monday when he balked home a run, pitched a scoreless ninth. Chris Brock (1-0) earned the win with 1 1-3 scoreless innings.

Mike Lieberthal hit a solo homer for Philadelphia in the second.

Eric Owens became the first player to homer in his first two games with Florida. Teammate Cliff Floyd also homered for the second time in as many games.

Philadelphia starter Robert Person gave up four hits, including both homers, and three runs. Matt Clement, acquired by the Marlins last week from San Diego, allowed six hits and three runs in five innings.

Attendance dropped from 36,146 for the opener to 10,257.

Luis Castillo led off the Marlins` first with a single, and Floyd hit a homer estimated at 427 feet.

Bobby Abreu singled, stole second and scored on Scott Rolen`s double in the third. Glanville doubled and came home on Abreu`s single in the fifth.

Owens` solo homer in the fifth made it 3-3.

Notes:
Hall of Famer Mike Schmidt, who lives in Jupiter, Fla., threw out the first pitch and visited before the game with former Phillies teammate Bowa. "You put Larry in the right environment, he`ll lead a team to the World Series," Schmidt said. "You can only go as far as your talent will let you go." ... For the first time at Veterans Stadium, the Phils will open their home schedule with three consecutive day games Friday through Sunday against Chicago. ... Florida`s Alex Gonzalez walked for the second time in as many games. Last year, he walked once after the All-Star break and 13 times all season.

(Copyright 2001 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)

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Author: 6 ABC - Action News (AP)