NL East: Marlins blow it; Stanton has surgery

The Phillies got swept by the Braves in a three-game series before the All-Star break (see Instant Replay). Jimmy Rollins told the media, "Don't waste your time, guys," after the latest disappointing loss (see story). CSNPhilly.com's John Gonzalez wrote about the negativity the Phils' awful season is spreading in the city (see story).

Here's a look at what happened around the rest of NL East on Sunday:

Bell blows save
Heath Bell was brought in by the Miami Marlins to be a shut-down closer. He is fifth in the NL with 19 saves, but has also blown 6 of his 25 chances after surrendering a 4-2 lead to St. Louis in the ninth on Sunday.

Rafael Furcal hit a two-run single to end the game a give the Cardinals a 5-4 victory over New York. David Freese scored the winning run, just beating a John Buck tag at home.

The Marlins suffered another loss Sunday. All-Star outfielder Giancarlo Stanton underwent arthroscopic knee surgery after being placed on the DL and could be out for a month (see story).

Omar Infante had three hits and Austin Kearns had a three-run pinch hit homer for the Marlins. Miami starter Anibal Sanchez went six innings and allowed two earned runs.

Cubs rock Mets
Ryan Dempster has been rumored as trade bait. The Cubs are enjoying his presence while they still have him, at least -- he has pitched 27 straight scoreless innings.

Dempster made his first start on Sunday since June 15 when he went to the disabled list. He pitched five innings of scoreless baseball to extend the streak that was cut short by a back injury and lead the Cubs to a 7-0 win over the Mets.

Mets starter Jonathan Niese allowed seven runs and nine hits in seven innings. The Cubs jumped out to a 4-0 lead in the top of the first and never looked back. Chicago shortstop Starlin Castro tacked on some insurance with a three-run homer.

Daniel Murphy led New York's offense, going 3 for 4 and Scott Hairston had their only extra base hit on a double.

Nats squander lead
Washington fans were forced to witness something Phillies fans have become accustomed to in 2012. Their bullpen blew a lead and the Nationals went on to lose, 4-3, to the Colorado Rockies.

Reliever Sean Burnett gave up two runs in the eighth, including one on an Eric Young homer that tied the game at three a piece. Nats pitcher Tyler Clippard gave up the winning run in the ninth.

Washington wasted a great start by Jordan Zimmermann who allowed one run on three hits in seven innings. Rockies starter Jeremey Guthrie allowed two runs over six innings.

Bryce Harper went 1 for 4 and Ian Desmond hit his 17th home run for the Nats' offense.