Marlins Win 9-8 After Pérez Pitches Seven Perfect Innings and Athletics Rally for Three in Ninth

Eury Pérez pitched seven perfect innings for the Miami Marlins against the Athletics on July 5, retiring all 21 batters he faced, ESPN reported. The 23-year-old threw 92 pitches and struck out eight in his third start since returning from the injured list. Marlins manager Clayton McCullough lifted Pérez before the eighth inning.

McCullough said the pre-game plan called for a limit of 90-plus pitches and that preserving Pérez for a potential postseason run guided the decision. "There was a part of my heartstrings pulling at his opportunity to keep on going, but I have to think about Eury and our organization, our team and what's best moving forward to give us a chance to continue to win games," McCullough said.

The Marlins built an eight-run lead before the Athletics scored three runs in the ninth.

Miami won 9-8 after Heriberto Hernandez hit two home runs, while Leo Jimenez and Otto Lopez each hit one. Pérez, who has never thrown a complete game in his MLB career, said the early exit was disappointing but defended the choice. "It's something that doesn't feel good.

But they don't know the inside information. I'm very proud of my team and very proud of my manager. Mostly the communication that we have," Pérez said. The game took place in West Sacramento, California.