The Philadelphia Phillies suffered a disappointing defeat to the Miami Marlins on September 26, 2023, losing 6-5 in 11 innings. The game brought additional concern as catcher J.T. Realmuto exited in the ninth inning after sustaining a right index finger contusion from a foul tip. Fortunately, an X-ray revealed no fractures, providing a glimmer of hope for the team as they assess his condition.
Manager Rob Thomson noted, “That was quite a blow he took to his finger, but the X-ray is negative. We’ll check him out tomorrow.” Realmuto’s injury raises concerns, especially with key players like Trea Turner currently on the injured list and Alec Bohm just returning.
The game itself unfolded in dramatic fashion. Starting pitcher Cristopher Sanchez delivered an impressive performance, throwing seven shutout innings and allowing only three hits. He struck out six batters, lowering his ERA to 2.57 and marking his 200th strikeout of the season. Sanchez exited the game with a three-run lead, but the bullpen struggled to secure the victory against a Marlins team that has won 11 of its last 12 games and is fighting for a Wild Card spot in the National League.
Thomson remarked on the challenge of balancing player health with the need to win games, stating, “That’s kind of where we’re at, balancing out the making sure the players are healthy, but still, you’ve got to win games.”
The Phillies initially took control with an explosive start. Kyle Schwarber hit his 54th home run of the season in the first inning, followed by Otto Kemp, who added his seventh homer, forcing Marlins starter Edward Cabrera out after just four innings.
Despite their early lead, the game turned in the eighth inning when David Robertson allowed a solo home run to Griffin Conine. Back-to-back singles led to an unearned run, narrowing the Phillies’ advantage.
In the ninth inning, the Marlins tied the game when Heriberto Hernandez hit a dramatic home run off closer Jhoan Duran, marking Duran’s third blown save since joining the team. The game was temporarily halted for 69 minutes due to rain, further intensifying the pressure on the Phillies.
As the game progressed into extra innings, the Marlins took a 5-3 lead in the tenth, capitalizing on Orion Kerkering‘s struggles. Yet the Phillies fought back, loading the bases and scoring two runs to tie the game again.
The turning point came in the eleventh inning. The Marlins managed to push a run across with a sacrifice fly from Xavier Edwards, bringing home automatic runner Connor Norby after a single from Hernandez. Despite a valiant effort, the Phillies could not respond, with Josh Simpson retiring them in order in the bottom of the eleventh.
This loss adds to the mounting challenges the Phillies face as they head into the final stretch of the regular season. With injuries affecting key players, the team must find a way to rally and maintain their playoff aspirations in the weeks ahead.
