In just his fifth major league game, Javier Sanoja delivered a breakout performance that won’t soon be forgotten. The 21-year-old rookie drove in five runs—including a dramatic three-run homer in the eighth inning—and the Miami Marlins rallied to defeat the Philadelphia Phillies 7-5 in 10 innings on Sunday afternoon at Citizens Bank Park.
Sanoja, starting in place of injured outfielder Griffin Conine, turned on a 1-1 sweeper from Phillies reliever Orion Kerkering and launched it into the left field seats to give the Marlins a 5-4 lead in the eighth. It was Sanoja’s first career home run.
“I just wanted to stay calm and do my job,” Sanoja said postgame. “To help the team like that—it means everything.”
After falling behind 3-0 in the first inning, Miami clawed its way back. Sanoja started his scoring effort with a sacrifice fly in the second, then crossed the plate on a Bryson Stott error in the seventh. He capped off his day with an RBI single in the 10th to seal his first three-hit game in the majors.
Kyle Stowers gave Miami the lead in the 10th with a sacrifice fly, and Calvin Faucher worked out of a jam in the bottom of the ninth to earn his first win of the season. Jesus Tinoco pitched a perfect 10th for his first save.
Philadelphia jumped on Marlins starter Ryan Weathers early with a three-run first inning, highlighted by Bryce Harper’s two-run double. Nick Castellanos, Cal Stevenson, and Rafael Marchan each added RBI singles for the Phillies.
With the game tied 5-5 in the bottom of the ninth, the Phillies threatened with runners on first and second and one out. Faucher remained composed, getting Kyle Schwarber to pop out before retiring Castellanos on a fly ball to right field to force extras.
Despite the loss, the Phillies added to their early-inning dominance. With three runs in the first on Sunday, they now lead all of Major League Baseball with 20 first-inning runs this season.
The Marlins return home Monday to open a series against the Cincinnati Reds. Miami will send RHP Max Meyer (1-2, 2.63 ERA) to the mound, while Cincinnati counters with LHP Nick Lodolo (2-1, 2.31 ERA).
Philadelphia begins a six-game road trip starting in New York against the Mets. RHP Aaron Nola (0-4, 6.65 ERA) gets the start for the Phillies opposite RHP Tylor Megill (2-2, 1.40 ERA).
With Sunday’s win, the Marlins showed resilience and glimpses of youth-driven potential—headlined by Sanoja’s heroics—that could carry them forward.
