Phils clinch worst record in MLB, lock down top draft pick

Getting swept in a double header at home has likely never had such a positive spin as it did for the Phillies on Saturday as they lost a pair of contests against the division rival Marlins.

In the opening game of the twin bill, the Phils would lose for the first time this season when leading after eight innings as flame throwing closer Kenny Giles blew just his second save opportunity since taking over the duties at the back end of the bullpen after the trade of Jonathan Papelbon.

In the night cap, rookie hurler Alec Asher, acquired from Texas in the Cole Hamels deal, surrendered three earned runs in two innings of work to fall to 0-6 on the season in the big leagues. The Marlins were victors by scores of 7-6 and 5-2.

The Phillies solidified their worst record since 1969 with their 99th loss of the season. With one game remaining this season, the century mark isn't out of the question in the loss column. They've not lost 100 or more games since 1961 when the club dropped 107.

It wasn't all bad news for the home club at Citizens Bank Park, however, as the Phillies locked in the top spot in next year's MLB amateur draft.

In their history, the Phillies have had the first overall draft pick only once. They selected Miami third baseman Pat Burrell with the top selection in 1998.

The top name rumored to be drawing the most interest as the first overall pick come next June is local standout, Jason Groome, a lefty hurler out of Barnegat High School in New Jersey. Groome, a senior, was clocked at 96 MPH in a late-summer showcase game at Petco Park prior to his 17th birthday. He is said to throw heat effortlessly and features outstanding secondary pitches as well.

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