Miami Marlins Defeat Detroit Tigers 6-4 in Extra Innings Thriller
The Miami Marlins emerged victorious over the Detroit Tigers in a nail-biting 6-4 contest that extended to 11 innings on Saturday, September 13, 2025. Rookie Troy Johnston played hero, smashing two home runs, including a game-winning two-run shot, to secure the win for Miami at loanDepot Park.
Johnston's Heroics Highlight Offensive Output
Agustín Ramírez contributed with a double and a single, while Otto López recorded two hits and an RBI, helping the Marlins secure their fourth consecutive victory. The Tigers initially took the lead in the top of the 11th with an RBI double from Wenceel Pérez. However, López ignited the Marlins' comeback in the bottom half with an infield single, setting the stage for Johnston's dramatic walk-off.
Heriberto Hernández's RBI fielder's choice tied the game before Johnston launched a slider from Rafael Montero over the right-center field wall. This marked Johnston's first career multi-homer game, solidifying his impact on the Marlins' win.
Pitching Duel and Late-Inning Drama
Josh Simpson (3-2) earned the win, retiring the final two batters in the top of the 11th. Gleyber Torres gave the Tigers a 3-2 lead with a sacrifice fly in the fifth against Janson Junk. Junk pitched six innings, allowing three runs on seven hits, with three strikeouts and one walk.
Kerry Carpenter tied the game in the third with a two-run homer, his 25th of the season, off Junk. Tigers starter Charlie Morton lasted four innings, yielding two runs on three hits, striking out four and walking four.
Key Moments and Missed Opportunities
The game was full of critical moments. With the bases loaded and one out in the top of the 11th, Simpson's wild pitch bounced off the backstop, leading to a pivotal play at the plate where catcher Liam Hicks tagged out Spencer Torkelson attempting to score. Simpson then struck out Parker Meadows, limiting the Tigers to only one run in the inning.
"A little bit unlucky, a little bit just sort of crazy with how it bounced back so far off the backstop," said Tigers manager A.J. Hinch about the play at the plate. "It was a tough play."
The Marlins' bullpen had been dominant, holding opponents scoreless for 13 1/3 innings until Pérez's RBI double in the 11th broke the streak. Tommy Kahnle also had a solid outing, pitching a clean eighth inning for the Tigers.
Looking Ahead
The Tigers (84-65) will conclude their road trip with a series finale against the Marlins (70-79) on Sunday. Right-hander Keider Montero is slated to start for Detroit in what will be a bullpen game. The Tigers' magic number to clinch the American League Central remains at eight, with their lead over Cleveland shrinking to seven games.
Game Summary
| Stat | Miami Marlins | Detroit Tigers |
|---|---|---|
| Runs | 6 | 4 |
| Hits | 9 | 8 |
| Errors | 0 | 1 |
| Home Runs | 2 (Johnston) | 1 (Carpenter) |
