Giancarlo Stanton: Marlins Winning Is More Important Than Personal 30th HR Achievement

Giancarlo Stanton smacked a pitch from Philadelphia Phillies starter Nick Pivetta over the center-field wall in the first inning of the Miami Marlins’ 10-3 home loss on Wednesday to record his 30th home run this season.

Giancarlo Stanton Marlins Phillies

The 27-year-old slugger is now tied with New York Yankees rookie outfielder Aaron Judge for most homers in the majors this season, but has said he is more worried about his team’s losing streak than he is about his personal accomplishments.

“If you can’t win a series against the worst team in the league, there’s not much going for you, right there,” Stanton said, according to MLB.com.

By “worst team,” the outfielder was referring to the Phillies, who are 32-61 this season and defeated the Marlins in a three-game series 2-1 with Wednesday’s victory.

The Marlins, meanwhile, are 42-51 and fourth in the National League East. Miami has lost five of its last seven games, and next begins a three-game weekend series against the Reds in Cincinnati on Friday night. Marlins manager Jeffrey Loria is currently attempting to sell the franchise.

Stanton’s homer on Wednesday was also his ninth in July, which set a Marlins franchise record for most scores in the month, according to ESPN Stats & Info. The previous record (eight) for July was held by Stanton in 2011, Dan Uggla in 2010 and Miguel Cabrera in 2007. His season-high for home runs is 37.

Following injury-shortened seasons in 2015 and 2016, Stanton has regained his form this year. The slugger signed a 13-year, $325 million contract extension with the Marlins in 2015.

FOX Sports’ Pete Rose was upset with Stanton after hearing the 2016 Home Run Derby champion criticize his own team:

SAN DIEGO, CA – JULY 11: Giancarlo Stanton of the Miami Marlins competes during the T-Mobile Home Run Derby at PETCO Park on July 11, 2016 in San Diego, California. (Photo by Denis Poroy/Getty Images)

Article by Pablo Mena