5-year Marliniversary: Castro's extra-innings blast propels Marlins past Phillies

[Mike Ferguson]

On this day five years ago, Starlin Castro played the role of hero in a 10-inning victory over the Philadelphia Phillies.

An All-Star for the Chicago Cubs and New York Yankees, infielder Starlin Castro had a solid two-year stint with the Miami Marlins. On this day five years ago, he delivered the Fish with a two-run home run in the 10th inning for a 3-1 win over the Philadelphia Phillies.

Miami hadn't scored since the third inning as it came to bat in the top of the 10th at Citizens Bank Park on April 25, 2019. Facing Héctor Neris, things didn't seem to be changing for the Marlins as a Martín Prado strikeout and a Brian Anderson pop-out opened the frame. A two-out double from Neil Walker, however, kept the inning alive.

Needing just a base hit to give Miami the lead, Castro fared a little better. On the sixth pitch of the at-bat, Castro saw a pitch up and took Neris deep to left field for the go-ahead two-run shot. Sergio Romo worked a 1-2-3 bottom of the 10th to secure the win and collect the save.

Philadelphia managed just four hits but did lead early on a solo home run from Sean Rodríguez in the second inning. Miami drew even a half inning later when Prado singled home Lewis Brinson.

Miami starting pitcher Caleb Smith allowed just a run on three hits and a walk while striking out eight in six innings of work. The Miami bullpen of Tyler Kinley, José Quijada, Drew Steckenrider, Tayron Guerrero and Romo combined to hold the Phillies to just one hit in four innings of scoreless relief.

Walker finished with three of the 12 Miami hits. Castro and catcher Jorge Alfaro each added two hits in the victory. César Hernández finished with two of the four hits for the Phillies.

Over his 12 years in the big leagues, Castro finished with 138 career home runs. His only blast in extra innings lifted the Marlins to a win in Philadelphia on this day five years ago. 

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