It was more of the same from Caleb Smith on Thursday night.
And, eventually, the Miami Marlins’ offense gave enough support for a 3-1, 10-inning win over the Philadelphia Phillies to begin a four-game series at Citizens Bank Park.
The final blow: A Starlin Castro go-ahead, two-out, two-run homer in the top of the 10th off reliever Hector Neris. Sergio Romo earned the save.
But the Marlins (8-17), who have now won three consecutive series openers, likely would not have been in the position to win if not for another gutsy performance from Smith.
The Marlins’ 27-year-old left-handed pitcher dominated the Phillies (13-12), throwing a season-long seven innings and tying a season high eight strikeouts for his fourth consecutive quality start.