Full Breakdown
Eury Pérez’s Near-Perfect Game Ends in a Near-Miss Victory
7/6/2026, 2:24:38 PM
The Game-Ending Decision: Seven Perfect Innings Cut Short
On July 5, 2026, at Sutter Health Park in West Sacramento, the Miami Marlins faced the Oakland Athletics. Right-hander Eury Pérez retired the first 21 batters he faced, delivering seven perfect innings with eight strikeouts. After 92 pitches, manager Clayton McCullough removed Pérez and summoned reliever Lake Bachar for the eighth. Bachar issued a leadoff walk to Lawrence Butler, followed by a single from Joshua Kuroda-Grauer, an RBI double by Carlos Cortes, a walk to Max Muncy, and a grand slam by Jonah Heim that cut the Marlins’ lead to 8-5. The bullpen failed to record an out in the eighth, and the Athletics added three more runs in the ninth before closer Pete Fairbanks secured a 9-8 Marlins win.
Background: Perfect Games and Pérez’s Career
A perfect game—27 consecutive outs with no baserunner—has occurred 24 times in MLB history, always by a single pitcher. The Marlins have never recorded one in their 33-year franchise history. Pérez, a 23-year-old former top prospect, debuted in May 2023, missed the 2024 season after Tommy John surgery, and returned from the injured list on June 24, 2026, following a high-grade gracilis strain. He entered the July 5 start with a 5-6 record, a 3.84 ERA, and a fastball touching 98-99 mph.
Key Figures
- Eury Pérez – Marlins right-hander, 23, 7 perfect innings, 8 K, 92 P.
- Clayton McCullough – Marlins manager, decision-maker.
- Lake Bachar – Reliever who replaced Pérez.
- Pete Fairbanks – Marlins closer who finished the game.
- Oakland hitters – Lawrence Butler, Joshua Kuroda-Grauer, Carlos Cortes, Max Muncy, Jonah Heim.
Timeline of Critical Moments
- 1st–6th inning: Pérez retires 18 batters, 83 pitches.
- 7th inning: Pérez completes perfect inning, 92 pitches total.
- Top of 8th: McCullough summons Bachar; Butler walks, Kuroda-Grauer singles.
- Mid-8th: Cortes RBI double, Muncy walk, Heim grand slam.
- Bottom 8th: Marlins’ Michael Petersen limits damage.
- 9th: Marlins add insurance run; Fairbanks concedes three runs, then closes.
Data & Statistics
- Innings pitched: 7.0 perfect.
- Batters faced: 21 (all retired).
- Strikeouts: 8.
- Pitches: 92 (56 strikes).
- Runs allowed after removal: 5 (8th) + 3 (9th) = 8.
- Final score: Marlins 9, Athletics 8.
- Marlins season record after game: 49-42.
Why It Matters
The decision underscores modern pitch-count protocols that prioritize long-term health over individual milestones. Had Pérez completed the perfect game, it would have been the franchise’s first. The near-loss also highlighted bullpen volatility and the thin margin between historic achievement and a close win.
Official Statements & Responses
McCullough said the pre-game “90-plus” pitch limit guided his choice, emphasizing Pérez’s health and the team’s season-long goals. Pérez expressed pride in his performance and respect for the manager’s plan, noting the organization had a predetermined pitch-count strategy.
Criticism & Opposition
Fans in the stadium booed the removal and chanted “SHAME!” as Bachar entered, reflecting a perception that the historic bid was sacrificed for caution. Commentators suggested the move risked momentum and invited “karmic retribution.”
On-the-Ground Reports
Spectators described an immediate shift in atmosphere after the walk, with the crowd’s disapproval audible as the Athletics mounted a rally that erased the perfect-game bid.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
All sources cite 92 pitches, yet some reference a “90-plus” limit without specifying the exact threshold, leaving the precise pitch-count policy unclear. No official MLB statement on the decision was provided.
Verbatim Quotes
What’s Next
The Marlins head to their next series against the Detroit Tigers on Tuesday, with the bullpen’s usage under close scrutiny as the team seeks to balance health management with competitive urgency.
