MIAMI, FL – 23,018 fans packed Loan Depot Park today and definitely had their patience tested to see the game’s first runs. The Marlins and Mets battled out a defensive game well into the ninth inning. That’s when the Marlins loaded up the bases for Heriberto Hernandez, who, in return, hit his first-career walk-off grand slam for a 4-0 victory.
Bullpen Day Keeps Mets Scoreless
Tyler Phillips made his first start and 16th appearance of the season. He allowed a couple of hits and walks on four strikeouts in 3.2 innings of work.
Tyler Phillips' first start of 2026 comes to a close. The final line:
3.2 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 0 ER, 2 BB, 4 K, 59 NP (37 Strikes)#Marlins #FightinFish pic.twitter.com/C9RsJgStGO
— Ricardo Urrusuno (@RickScores) May 24, 2026
The Mets had an even 4-4 groundout-flyout rate during the game, and Phillips allowed just three hard-hit balls. He dominated the zone, with 63% first-pitch strikes. His ERA stands at 1.07.
Calvin Faucher tossed 1.1 innings, surrendering two hits on one strikeout. His cutter was used the most on nine pitches, while the curveball was the second-most used pitch (5 NP). His punchout came on the sweeper.
John King pitched 0.2 innings in the sixth, getting a double play out. He threw 13 pitches with heavy usage on the sinker (6 NP).
Anthony Bender retired three batters. He had a nearly even split between his sinker (6 NP) and sweeper (5 NP).
Michael Petersen recorded two strikeouts in 1.1 innings. On 17 pitches, he threw the heater 65% of the time. His velocity was the highest for any pitcher on both sides. He averaged 98.1 MPH and had a top pitch velocity of 99.4.
Pete Fairbanks took care of business in the final frame. He threw nine fastballs, five cutters, and two sliders. His record improved to 2-2.
RISP Chances Fall Short Through Eight
The Marlins struggled to convert on opportunities to bring runners home through the first eight innings. They went 2/9 with runners in scoring position, leaving a total of 10 runners on base.
The #Marlins baserunning blunders continue. This is a silly call to send Javier Sanoja home. It's a scoreless game in the seventh inning with one out. The smarter call would've been to leave him at third to load the bases for your #3 and 4 hitters. pic.twitter.com/I8hBVwRgvq
— Ricardo Urrusuno (@RickScores) May 24, 2026
Heriberto Hernandez Grand Slam
Morel started things off right for Miami with a double into left field. Then, Sanoja perfectly laid down a sac bunt to advance Morel to third. Hicks battled out a walk on the payoff pitch.
With a .184 hitting Hernandez in the on-deck circle, New York decided to take their chances and intentionally walk the .313 hitting Edwards, loading up the bases.
HERIBERTO HERNANDEZ WALK-OFF GRAND SLAM #Marlins #FightinFish pic.twitter.com/iAuOZDKD48
— Ricardo Urrusuno (@RickScores) May 24, 2026
In one swing, he took the ball 416 feet with an exit velocity of 104.9. With the sweep over the Mets, the Marlins are 25-29 in fourth place, just 1.5 games out of second in the NL East.
On Deck
The Marlins will head to the airport and cross north of the border to face the Toronto Blue Jays for a three-game set. With Thursday off, Miami will then face the Mets again in the Big Apple for another three-game series.
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