PHILADELPHIA -- Eleven years ago Tuesday, Marlins pitcher Mark Buehrle was in New York City for the first time in his life, preparing to play at old Yankee Stadium. Jose Reyes, Miami's shortstop, was back home in the Dominican Republic, a few days away from a scheduled flight to New York to receive a Minor League award from the Mets.

Everyone remembers where they were upon hearing the news of the terrorist attacks that occurred on Sept. 11, 2001. Before the Marlins' game at Citizens Bank Park on Tuesday, the Phillies hosted a "Patriot Day" tribute that included a State Flags presentation with local police and firemen. The ceremonial first pitch was thrown out by Christopher Suprun, a paramedic/firefighter and Sept. 11 first responder.

Anytime a tragedy occurs, "it kind of puts everything into perspective, realizing baseball's not really No. 1 on the list," Buehrle said.

On Sept. 11, 2001, Buehrle, then a member of the White Sox, woke up to the news in a New York City hotel. He said he and his teammates spent the day in the hotel watching television to figure out what was going on. The next morning, with the airports closed, they took two buses back to Chicago. A week later, on Sept. 18, Buehrle started an emotional game between the White Sox and Yankees in Chicago, New York's first game since the attack on the World Trade Center.

Each Major League club was asked to participate in a day of service in their community this week as part of Major League Baseball's remembrance of Sept. 11. On Tuesday, members of the Marlins' front office prepared and served meals at Chapman Partnerships. Other events are scheduled for the coming days.

"I think this day makes the United States stronger and more unified," Marlins manager Ozzie Guillen said. "I think this makes us realize how much we love the country and how important this country is around the world. ... One thing [people are] never going to forget is that day. And that's very important that people don't forget that day."

Reyes not surprised by Phillies' resurgence

PHILADELPHIA -- Marlins shortstop Jose Reyes has seen the Phillies storm back before. In 2007, then an All-Star shortstop with New York, Reyes watched the Phils overcome a seven-game deficit with 17 games left to beat out the Mets for the National League East title on the last day of the season.

That is why, with the Phillies charging back to make things a little more interesting in the NL Wild Card race this year, Reyes isn't exactly surprised.

"Nothing surprises me, because I've been through the same situation," Reyes said before Tuesday's game against the Phillies. "I don't count them out, at all. Because the pitching staff that they have, it's not easy to face those guys."

Marlins manager Ozzie Guillen echoed similar sentiments.

"People ask me about it: 'Are you surprised?' No," Guillen said. "I'm surprised they're not in. But I think they're coming back, and if they hold on, with their pitching staff, they're gonna have a chance."

Worth noting

• The Marlins entered Tuesday leading the season series against the Phillies, 7-6, and having won six of the last nine meetings between the clubs.

• Giancarlo Stanton's 0-for-4 performance in Monday's 3-1 loss ended his road home run streak at six games, a Marlins record. Stanton was the first Major Leaguer to accomplish the feat since the Indians' Travis Hafner, who did it in September 2005.

• Though his club is not in contention, Guillen said he is in favor of the two Wild Card system implemented this season.

"I think it's a great idea," Miami's skipper said before Tuesday's game in Philadelphia. "I think it's great for baseball. I think that's the hardest thing to do in baseball, win the Wild Card. Because now so many teams play well ... I think it's very great for the fans and very good for the cities that are involved."

• Despite his 0-for-3 clip on Monday, Reyes is hitting .350 (35 for 11) with 10 doubles, two triples and four RBIs in 24 games against the Phillies since the start of the 2011 season.