Marlins Rally Late to Avoid Yankees Sweep

Four-run 8th inning propels Miami to 7-6 victory over New York

Apr. 6, 2026 at 6:25am

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The Miami Marlins overcame an early 4-1 deficit and scored four runs in the 8th inning to defeat the host New York Yankees 7-6 on Sunday. Pinch hitter Graham Pauley's go-ahead two-run double sparked the late rally after a lengthy rain delay, helping the Marlins avoid a sweep in the three-game series.

Why it matters

The Marlins' comeback win prevents them from being swept by the Yankees, a potential playoff contender, and keeps them within striking distance in the NL East division race early in the season.

The details

With the Marlins trailing 4-3 in the 8th, pinch hitter Graham Pauley lined a two-run double off reliever Jake Bird to give Miami the lead. Xavier Edwards then added a two-run single to extend the advantage to 7-4. The Yankees mounted a late rally in the 9th, but Anthony Bender recorded the final out to secure the Marlins' victory.

  • The game was delayed for 3 hours and 35 minutes due to rain before the first pitch.
  • The Marlins scored four runs in the 8th inning to take the lead.

The players

Graham Pauley

Marlins pinch hitter who delivered the go-ahead two-run double in the 8th inning.

Xavier Edwards

Marlins outfielder who drove in three runs, including a two-run single in the 8th to extend the lead.

Max Fried

Yankees starting pitcher who allowed three runs over 6.2 innings.

Anthony Bender

Marlins closer who recorded the final out to earn his first save of the season.

Ben Rice

Yankees outfielder who hit a three-run homer in the 1st inning.

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What they’re saying

“We never give up, no matter the score. That's the kind of team we are.”

— Graham Pauley, Marlins Pinch Hitter

What’s next

The Marlins will look to build on this comeback win as they continue their road trip, facing the Mets in New York on Tuesday. The Yankees will try to rebound from the series loss when they host the Orioles on Monday.

The takeaway

The Marlins' resilience and late-game heroics in this victory demonstrate the team's ability to battle back from deficits and keep themselves in the playoff hunt early in the season, despite facing a tough opponent in the Yankees.