Emmanuel Rivera stepped up with a crucial pinch-hit single in the 10th inning, leading the Miami Marlins to a 7-6 victory over the Philadelphia Phillies on Sunday.
Rivera’s hit, a hard grounder, glanced off the glove of Phillies reliever Gregory Soto and found its way into right field, allowing Nick Fortes, who was on second base, to score the winning run.
“It’s important to stay prepared from the beginning of the game,” Rivera explained. “Anything can happen, and you might be called upon at any moment.”
Initially missing a bunt sign, Rivera swung and missed at Soto’s first pitch. After a second called strike, he focused on making contact, delivering his first career walk-off RBI.
The Marlins’ offense also saw strong performances from Jazz Chisholm Jr., who doubled and tripled, and Josh Bell, who hit a home run. This win ended the Marlins’ five-game losing streak, as they improved their major league-worst record to 10-31.
On the other hand, the Phillies, who entered the game with the best record in the majors at 28-12, suffered only their third loss in the last 16 games.
Anthony Bender, pitching a scoreless top of the 10th inning, earned the win for the Marlins, while Phillies starter Zack Wheeler endured a tough outing, allowing a season-high six runs over four innings before being pulled from the game.
