Miami Marlins edge Dodgers on Japanese Heritage Day

Miami, Florida – The Miami Marlins have ended their four-game skid, slipping past the Los Angeles Dodgers 4-3 amid a festive Japanese Heritage Day. Miami overcame two first-inning homers and a late-game rally to even the series. The win came at a good time because the team lost seven of their last eight heading into today’s contest. Tyler Phillips had an abbreviated start against Tyler Glasnow, tossing three and two-thirds innings, allowing two runs on two hits. Although Phillips threw 68 pitches, including three strikeouts and three walks, the early exit was pre-planned due to a high number of innings this season.

Coach McCullough on why he pulled Tyler Phillips early.#FightinFish pic.twitter.com/TgQfNbow9B

— Gabriel Garcia (@Gabewritesports) September 12, 2026

Mookie Betts and Max Muncy immediately jumped on Phillips, barreling back-to-back home runs. The Marlins loaded the bases in response but couldn’t drive in a run. With two outs, Griffin Conine doubled, Otto Lopez was hit, and Jakob Marsee drew a walk. Javier Sanoja lined out to left field, ending the opportunity. The Fighting Fish tied it anyway on their second trip. Graham Pauley recorded his fourth homer of the season, and Lopez capped off the big inning with the go-ahead RBI single.

You love to see it, Marlins strike back!#FightinFishpic.twitter.com/8GcOGEhaZq

— Gabriel Garcia (@Gabewritesports) September 12, 2026

Miami loaded the bases again in the fifth. Conine and Lopez drew back-to-back walks, ending Glasnow’s outing. Dodgers reliever Jack Dreyer then balked, advancing the runners before hitting Marsee. Despite having nobody out, the Marlins came away with one run on a fielder’s choice. Agustín Ramírez hit into an inning-ending double play. The relief corps slammed the door shut when Phillips departed. After an explosive first, LA didn’t record another hit until the seventh.

Los Angeles made things interesting with a run in the ninth, but Pete Fairbanks retired Will Smith to earn the save. The Marlins are now 73-76, trailing 7.5 games for the last wildcard spot with 13 games remaining.

Impressions

Tyler Phillips on his outing. #FightinFish pic.twitter.com/h1tsETwkLb

— Gabriel Garcia (@Gabewritesports) September 12, 2026

It’s highly unlikely they will make it to the postseason. The 12-game losing streak proved disastrous. Regardless, I’m enjoying baseball as much as possible considering next year’s lockout. Phillips getting yanked early was unusual to me, as Tommy Hutton pointed out: by pulling him, you’re running down the bullpen. This isn’t an isolated incident either. It’s happened multiple times, and I hope this occurs far less in the future. On a positive note, congratulations to Graham Pauley for having a strong September. He’s hitting .304 with three home runs and 11 RBIs in his last eight games since being recalled.

About Post Author

Gabriel Garcia

Just an avid sports fan who happens to have a love-hate (mostly love) relationship with his local teams be it collegiate or professional and also happens to be a news junkie. Mix in outstanding optimism with cold realism and you’ve got yourself a balanced cocktail perfect for champions.

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