Marlins Sweep Mets on Walk-off Grand Slam

MIAMI — Heriberto Hernandez didn’t start Sunday’s game, but he absolutely finished it. 

Hernandez took an 84mph changeup deep to centerfield for a walk-off grand slam, giving the Miami Marlins a 4-0 win over the New York Mets at loanDepot park. The last time someone broke a scoreless tie with a walk-off grand slam was Justin Maxwell of Kansas City in Sept. 22, 2013.

Christopher Morel led off the ninth inning with a double and scored the winning run on the grand slam. With two runners on base at the bottom of the ninth inning, in a 0-0 gridlock, the New York Mets opted to intentionally walk Xavier Edwards, after unintentionally walking Liam Hicks, to load the bases. 

With one out and their $14M closer on the mound, the Mets chose to take their chances on a luring a double play out of an unknown hitter batting below .200 on the season. 

Hernandez made the Opening Day roster while Kyle Stowers and Estuery Ruiz were on the injured list. He was optioned to Triple-A Jacksonville and responded by playing the hero in a walk-off win, just before being called back up. Since returning the Marlins, Hernandez is batting .280 with an .816 OPS. 

Tyler Phillips came from the bullpen and started the game, throwing 3.2 scoreless innings with four strikeouts. The rest of the bullpen continued to shut down a Mets lineup that was without Juan Soto. With Phillips included, the Marlins bullpen entered Sunday leading Major League Baseball in opponent’s batting average (.193). 

The win for the Marlins (25-29) represents their first series sweep since the opening series against the Colorado Rockies. Miami went from a three-game losing streak to a three-game winning streak and the Marlins’ 18 home wins ties with the Chicago Cubs for the most in the National League. 

The Marlins travel north of the border to take on the defending American League champion Toronto Blue Jays on Monday.