Otto López's clutch 8th-inning double led the Marlins to a 3-1 win over the Royals on July 20, 2025, completing the sweep. See how Miami won its 4th straight.
StatPro MLB Beat Reporter
Just when it looked like a pitcher's duel would decide the day, Otto López stepped up and delivered the spark the Miami Marlins needed. His clutch two-run double in the bottom of the eighth inning broke a 1-1 tie and propelled the Marlins to a thrilling 3-1 victory over the Kansas City Royals, capping a perfect homestand and extending the team's winning streak to a season-high four games.
With the game on the line in the eighth, Otto López delivered the decisive blow: a two-run double that sent LoanDepot Park into a frenzy.
The Sunday afternoon contest was a nail-biter, with both teams locked in a 1-1 stalemate heading into the late innings. But in the bottom of the eighth, the Marlins' offense finally broke through. With runners on, Otto López smoked a double that brought home two, giving Miami the lead for good. The hit was the exclamation point on a fantastic stretch of baseball for the Fish, who have clawed their way to a 46-51 record. While López was the hero of the day, the offense has been getting contributions from all over, including from the consistently excellent Kyle Stowers, who entered the game boasting a .299 average with 21 homers and 59 RBIs on the season.
While the team celebrates on the field, the front office continues to manage a roster dealing with its share of injuries. The club recently acquired right-handed pitcher Michael Petersen from the Braves for cash considerations, immediately optioning him to Triple-A Jacksonville to bolster pitching depth. The move was necessitated in part by the tough news that RHP Jesus Tinoco was transferred to the 60-day injured list with a right forearm strain. On the infield, the Marlins are still without 3B Connor Norby, who remains on the 10-day IL with left wrist inflammation. In his absence, Graham Pauley has been recalled from Jacksonville to handle duties at the hot corner.
With a perfect homestand in the books and a four-game winning streak fueling their fire, the Marlins are showing signs of life. The key now is to carry this momentum on the road. If the bats stay hot and the roster depth holds up, this team might just make a serious push back to .500 and beyond.
