Cabrera’s 2-run HR in 8th lifts Phillies to sweep of Marlins

PHILADELPHIA » The Philadelphia Phillies’ acquisition of Asdrubal Cabrera last month didn’t draw much attention. The bigger story, it seemed, was the organization’s decision not to part with key prospects to make a big splash at the trade deadline.

Cabrera, though, has showed in the past couple of days that he may be the needed bat to help propel the youngest team in the majors to an unlikely division title.

Cabrera hit a tiebreaking two-run homer in the eighth inning and the surging Phillies completed a four-game sweep of the Miami Marlins with a 5-3 victory Sunday to cap the Phillies alumni weekend that honored the 2008 World Series championship team.

“He just looks like a guy that’s been there and done that,” Phillies manager Gabe Kapler said of the 32-year-old switch-hitter. “The big situation seems like it fits him very well.”

Cabrera, acquired in a July 27 trade with the New York Mets, crushed a 2-0 cutter from Drew Steckenrider (3-2) into the second deck in right field for his 20th homer and his second in as many days.

“When you do something like I did today to help the team win, you feel good,” Cabrera said.

Pat Nehsek (1-0) pitched a perfect eighth and Tommy Hunter worked the ninth for his second save as the Phillies overcame a mediocre outing from Aaron Nola for their fifth straight win. Philadelphia improved to an NL-best 38-18 at home and maintained its 1½-game lead over Atlanta atop the NL East.

“What I see from this team is they fight every inning,” Cabrera said. “They never put their head down.”

Derek Dietrich hit a tworun home run off Nola and Justin Bour tied it with a solo shot off Seranthony Dominguez in a threerun seventh for the Marlins, who have dropped six straight and 10 of 13.