Phillies win bizarre game on walk-off catcher's interference call
- Edmundo Sosa's check swing resulted in a rare catcher’s interference ruling, allowing a runner to score with bases loaded.
- This event marked the first walk-off win by catcher's interference in Major League Baseball since 1971.
- The victory helped the Philadelphia Phillies maintain their lead in the National League East.
On July 22, 2025, in a dramatic matchup held at Citizens Bank Park in Philadelphia, the Philadelphia Phillies claimed victory over the Boston Red Sox in a game highlighted by a unique ending. The contest entered the tenth inning tied at 2-2, with the stakes high as both teams sought to secure a win. The pivotal moment arrived with the bases loaded and no outs when Edmundo Sosa, representing the final chance for the Phillies, faced Boston's pitcher Jordan Hicks. During a check swing on a 2-2 slider, Sosa's bat made contact with Red Sox catcher Carlos Narvaez's glove, triggering a rare catcher’s interference ruling. This unexpected call allowed automatic runner Brandon Marsh to score the winning run, bringing the final score to 3-2 in favor of the Phillies. Notably, this marked the first walk-off run due to catcher’s interference since an occurrence on August 1, 1971, emphasizing the rarity of such plays in Major League Baseball history. The repercussions of this win were significant as it helped the Phillies maintain a half-game lead in the National League East over the New York Mets, who secured their own win on the same night. This game was characterized by impressive pitching on both sides, particularly from Phillies starter Zack Wheeler, who threw six innings and recorded ten strikeouts while allowing two earned runs. The Red Sox’s pitcher Walker Buehler performed commendably as well, limiting the Phillies to six hits and two runs in seven innings. However, the drama ultimately unfolded in the tenth inning, leading to an emotional and controversial ending that left the Red Sox frustrated. This loss marked the seventh instance of catcher's interference for the Red Sox this season—a league-leading statistic further adding to the disappointment of the game. As the Phillies celebrated their bizarre victory, the loss compounded the Red Sox's struggles, highlighting their challenges in extra-inning games. With both teams looking to improve their standings, the subsequent matchup was anticipated to draw interest from fans as both teams were vying for playoff contention amid a competitive season.