MLB roundup: Marlins close in on Phillies

Published: Wednesday, Aug. 6, 2008 12:08 a.m. MDT PHILADELPHIA — Josh Johnson pitched six scoreless innings, Jeremy Hermida drove in four runs and the Florida Marlins beat the Philadelphia Phillies 8-2 Tuesday night in a matchup of the two top teams in the NL East. The Marlins, who have by far the smallest payroll in the majors, closed within 1 1/2 games of first-place Philadelphia. The New York Mets are two games behind. Johnson (2-0) allowed five hits and overcame four walks in his fifth start since returning from reconstructive elbow surgery in August 2007. The Marlins improved to 5-0 in his starts this year. Jamie Moyer (10-7) fell to 10-1 against the Marlins. The 45-year-old left-hander uncharacteristically struggled with his control. Moyer gave up two runs and six hits in five innings. He walked three and hit two... [read full story]