Phillies lose, begin playoffs at home

PHILADELPHIA — Anibal Sanchez pitched seven strong innings Saturday to lead the Florida Marlins to a 4-3 victory over the Philadelphia Phillies, who still clinched home-field advantage for the first round of the playoffs with St. Louis’ loss.

The Phillies lost for the third straight time since clinching their third consecutive National League East title on Wednesday, and were eliminated from the possibility of having home-field advantage throughout the NL playoffs.

The Phillies could have clinched home field with wins in their final two games and two losses by the Dodgers.

Philadelphia, the defending World Series champion, went 7-0 at home in the playoffs last season and will host the opening game Wednesday against Colorado at a time to be determined.