Phoenix, Arizona – The Miami Marlins continued their recent surge in Major League Baseball, securing a hard-fought 9-8 victory over the Arizona Diamondbacks on Friday, June 27, at Chase Field in Phoenix. The win marked the Marlins’ season-best fifth consecutive triumph, fueled by a robust offensive performance featuring three crucial home runs.
The tightly contested matchup saw the Marlins’ bats come alive early and often. The team collected a total of 13 hits, marking their fifth straight game with double-digit hits, a testament to their current offensive rhythm. Key contributions came from across the lineup, highlighted by significant power displays.
Offensive Showcase Fuels Miami’s Attack
Infielder Otto Lopez delivered a standout performance, going 3-for-5 at the plate and launching one of the Marlins’ three home runs. Lopez’s stellar outing extended his personal hitting streak to eight games, a stretch during which he has been remarkably productive, batting .469 with 10 runs batted in (RBIs). His consistent hitting has been a significant factor in the Marlins’ recent success.
Outfielder Kyle Stowers also contributed to the power display, hitting a home run for the second consecutive game. Stowers finished the night with two hits, continuing to provide timely offense for Miami. Rookie Heriberto Hernandez added another long ball, marking the team’s third homer of the evening and showcasing the emerging talent in the Marlins’ system. Additionally, infielder Connor Norby added two hits and crossed the plate twice, further aiding Miami’s scoring efforts.
Despite the Marlins’ offensive output, the Diamondbacks demonstrated resilience, particularly with their own power hitting. Arizona’s home runs came from outfielder Jake McCarthy, shortstop Geraldo Perdomo, and outfielder Alek Thomas, keeping the game close throughout the later innings.
Pitching Performances and In-Game Drama
The pitching story for Miami began with starter Eury Pérez. Pérez navigated the early innings but surrendered a leadoff home run in the fifth inning. Following this, Ronny Henriquez entered the game in relief. Henriquez pitched effectively, earning his fourth win of the season against one loss (4-1) as the Marlins held on to the lead.
On the Diamondbacks’ side, starting pitcher Merrill Kelly faced challenges. Kelly, whose record fell to 7-4 on the season, allowed five runs, though only three were earned, over five-plus innings of work. The Diamondbacks’ defense struggled at times, leading to unearned runs that proved costly in the final tally.
Nail-Biting Finish in the Ninth
The game culminated in a dramatic ninth inning. Trailing by four runs heading into the final frame, the Arizona Diamondbacks mounted a furious rally, pushing across three runs to narrow the deficit to a single run. The tension escalated significantly as the potential tying and winning runs reached base. With runners on first and third, Marlins pitcher Tyler Phillips was tasked with securing the final out.
Phillips faced Tim Tawa with the game on the line. In a pivotal moment, Phillips induced a game-ending double play from Tawa, slamming the door shut on the Diamondbacks’ comeback bid and preserving the crucial 9-8 victory for Miami. The successful execution of the double play sealed the Marlins’ fifth straight win and capped a tense finish.
Context and Injury Update
The victory held particular significance for the Miami Marlins beyond extending their winning streak. It marked the end of a six-game series losing streak against the Arizona Diamondbacks that dated back to the 2024 season. Breaking this skid against a familiar opponent adds further positive momentum for the club.
In an unfortunate turn of events for the Diamondbacks, first baseman Josh Naylor was forced to leave the game in the seventh inning due to what appeared to be a right shoulder injury. Naylor’s departure is a potential concern for Arizona moving forward.
Overall, the Miami Marlins’ 9-8 triumph in Phoenix was a comprehensive team effort, showcasing timely hitting, including multiple home runs, and crucial pitching in high-pressure situations, culminating in a dramatic ninth-inning conclusion that underscored the competitive nature of Major League Baseball.
