Marlins Player Hits Walk-Off Grand Slam in 0-0 Game

Heriberto Hernández wakes up every morning thanking God for another day living his childhood dream, and Sunday gave him a moment he'll never forget.

The Miami Marlins outfielder hit a walk-off grand slam to break a 0-0 tie in the ninth inning, giving his team a 4-0 victory over the New York Mets. It was the first time a walk-off grand slam had ended a scoreless game since 2013.

"My whole life, I wanted to be in the Major Leagues," Hernández said after the game. "Just knowing that I can contribute, having that in my heart so that the team can win is what has helped me."

The moment was especially sweet for Hernández, who has bounced between the majors and minors this season. He was sent down to Triple-A in late April before getting called back up in early May.

With the bases loaded in the ninth inning, Hernández connected on an 83.9 mph changeup and sent it soaring 416 feet to right-center field. He wasn't even trying to hit a home run—just put the ball in play to bring a runner home.

"I didn't know that the ball was going to leave," Hernández said. "I was just trying to put it in play."

Why This Inspires

Hernández's story shows what happens when you stay ready even when you're not getting much playing time. The 26-year-old said his positive mindset helped him prepare like he was in the starting lineup every single day, even when he wasn't.

Manager Clayton McCullough noticed that Hernández had started looking more like the confident player they saw last season. The brief time back in the minors seemed to give him a mental reset rather than crushing his spirit.

"I have been staying positive every day," Hernández said. "I know that I can enter at any time to help with defense, running or batting."

The win completed Miami's first three-game sweep of the Mets at home since 2019 and gave the struggling Marlins their first three-game winning streak since opening day. Miami's pitchers held New York to just two runs across all three games.

Players watching from the training room initially thought Hernández had just delivered a walk-off single. Once they realized the ball had cleared the wall, the room erupted in celebration.

For a player who cherishes every day in the big leagues, this was one he'll remember forever.