Latest news with #Pérez
Miami Herald
22-07-2025
- Sport
- Miami Herald
Marlins play their best ‘brand of baseball' in tight 2-1 loss to Padres
It's the second half of the season, and for a team still fighting to reach the .500 mark, there's 'a lot of sense of urgency with every game,' Miami Marlins manager Clayton McCullough said. So, dropping Monday's series opener 2-1 to the San Diego Padres at loanDepot park certainly stung. But it was hard for the Marlins to find much fault in their performance. The result wasn't what they wanted — but the 'brand of baseball,' as McCullough likes to say, was the kind that's fueled their recent surge. Starter Eury Pérez allowed only two earned runs in five innings pitched — both in the second inning. Josh Simpson and Tyler Phillips each tossed two shutout innings in relief. 'They threw great,' McCullough said. 'Both those guys had a couple of really efficient innings to keep us in a position where we had a chance to come back and potentially win.' Kyle Stowers swatted his 22nd home run of the season — an MLB-best 12th since June 22. He now has eight homers in July, putting him four shy of Giancarlo Stanton's club record set in 2017. And the Marlins' offense, which otherwise didn't score, banged out nine hits. 'I liked what we did offensively today,' McCullough said. 'We scattered some hits. … Offensively, our approach was very sound. Unfortunately, the [double-play] ball Gus hits to third [in the third inning] was right on the screws. That's how things go. 'If we continue to take at-bats of that quality and that nature, that puts you in a good position to be able to create innings and score runs.' In the third inning, Jesús Sánchez was doubled off second after Agustín Ramírez lined a hard-hit ball to third baseman Manny Machado off starter Randy Vásquez. Then in the eighth, Sánchez grounded into a double play after Xavier Edwards led off with an infield single. The Padres grabbed the lead in the second inning when Jackson Merrill singled to right, scoring Xander Bogaerts, who had led off with a double to center. Martin Maldonado followed with an RBI double down the left-field line to make it 2-0. That was all Pérez gave up while striking out five and walking two. He threw 87 pitches, 52 for strikes. 'This is the first time I've faced this lineup and this is an incredible lineup — they're very talented,' Pérez said via team interpreter Luis Dorante Jr. 'So you've got to compete all the time and try your best, try to work around the zone and try to get as few pitches as you can to get the outs.' 'Just another solid outing,' McCullough said. 'I thought he really made some nice adjustments the last few innings. Had a good heater again, and I was really happy with the breaking ball and secondary stuff he threw tonight. His ability to utilize his entire repertoire tonight, especially as the outing wore on, is a great sign.' ▪ During Sandy Alcantara's on-field bullpen session pregame in preparation for Wednesday's start, McCullough stood in the batter's box without taking a swing. 'It looks a lot faster than it used to in my younger days,' McCullough quipped. 'I did not want to take a hack and risk straining my oblique. And the embarrassment of swinging and missing.' On a more serious note, McCullough explained his presence in the box. 'I do that sometimes,' he said. 'You get a bit of a visual, provide a different level of feedback, just see how it's coming in and also get in there and chat with [catcher] Nick [Fortes] as it's going on [about] what he's seeing. Instead of standing back behind there, get in and see what it looks like coming forward.' ▪ Outfielder Derek Hill, who injured his finger in the batting cage Saturday, was not in the lineup again, but came in to pinch-run for Liam Hicks in the ninth.
Miami Herald
21-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Miami Herald
Miss Universe Nicaragua will be crowned in Miami. Here are the 16 candidates
Sixteen candidates for Miss Universe Nicaragua took the stage in Miami on July 17, walking the runway at El Guacalito restaurant in southwest Miami. Each contestant represented one of Nicaragua's departments or autonomous regions. The evening celebration featured traditional gallo pinto, music, dancing, and national pride. Organizers announced that the final gala to crown Miss Universe Nicaragua will be held Sept. 4 at the James L. Knight Center in downtown Miami. The candidates aim to show the world that Nicaragua is ready to send a strong contender to the Miss Universe pageant in Thailand — one who can live up to Sheynnis Palacios, who made history in 2023 as the first Nicaraguan to win the Miss Universe title. This year, the Miss Universe Nicaragua organization relocated its headquarters to Miami after Emporium Agency acquired the national franchise from the international Miss Universe Organization in May. The effort was led by businessman Javier Paxtor, owner of El Guacalito and official sponsor of Miss Universe Nicaragua. Daniel Guevara, national director of Miss Universe Nicaragua and Emporium Agency, said the team is working to elevate the pageant to a new standard of excellence. 'We want to demonstrate that with vision, organization, and a dedicated team, we can deliver a world-class event that celebrates the beauty, culture, and talent of Nicaraguan women,' Guevara said. 'We are ready to make history and position this pageant among the best in the region.' A team of specialists, led by Venezuelan beauty coach and makeup artist Juan Bautista, is training the candidates for the competition. Friday's presentation opened with an appearance by Geyssell García, Miss Universe Nicaragua 2024, who will crown her successor in September. The event was hosted by Joe Palacios and Miss Nicaragua 2022, Norma Huembes. Meet the Miss Universe Nicaragua candidates Contestants must be at least 18 years old and either born in Nicaragua or have Nicaraguan parents or grandparents. Many of this year's contestants are based in Miami and have previous pageant experience. Among them is Aleida Josefa Pérez, 24, who is representing Chinandega. Pérez holds a degree in political science and international relations from the University of Florida. With both Cuban and Nicaraguan heritage, Pérez was Miss Earth Cuba 2023 and competed in Miss Universe Cuba 2024 representing Jardines del Rey. She founded the nonprofit Hearts in Mind, which has spearheaded projects including the construction of a school in Cuascoto, a village in Nicaragua's Rivas department. Massiel Córdoba Obando, representing Masaya, previously competed in Miss World Latina USA. On Instagram, she described herself as 'Pinolera, thank God,' in a post wrapped in the Nicaraguan flag. Francela Aragón Lara, 28, representing Carazo, was a candidate in Miss Teen Nicaragua 2015. Other contestants stood out for their modeling experience. Itza Castillo, representing Managua, has worked in commercials, fashion runways, and photo shoots. Nahomy Hill, 21, representing the South Caribbean Coast autonomous region, describes herself as a model. Maria Fernanda Sequeira, 18, from Boaco, also works as an international model. 'Every look tells a story, and this story is about to begin,' she captioned a post after a makeup session with stylist Julio Escudero. The rest of the candidates Alexssandra Montalván, GranadaNatalia Pedroso, JinotegaGlennys Medina Segura, RivasJhozabeth Centeno, Río San JuanLucía Oliveros, EstelíDesireé Estrada, LeónStephanie Álvarez, MatagalpaYaribeth Gutiérrez, Nueva SegoviaAlieska González, Chontales One candidate, Starina Jérez, representing the Caribbean Coast, was absent from the runway presentation. Her 21-year-old sister, Venus Angelina, died unexpectedly in Miami on July 9. Starina and Venus are daughters of opposition leader and former political prisoner Irlanda Jérez. 'Selecting these 16 women was not easy,' said Bautista, who is also the event's creative director. 'The competition is fierce. We had a large pool of highly qualified candidates, and our goal between now and September is to ensure the most prepared woman wins — because she will be the queen of all Nicaragua.' Venezuelan Dayra Lambis, the 1999 International Coffee Queen, is coaching the candidates on mastering the runway. 'We're celebrating not only their beauty but also their resilience,' Lambis said. 'These young women represent the light, culture, and essence of Nicaragua. They've done an incredible job.' Miami has also become a hub for other pageant activity. On July 8, Lina Luaces — daughter of Lili Estefan and niece of Emilio and Gloria Estefan — was crowned Miss Universe Cuba at Milander Park in Hialeah. Telemundo is also searching for a Latina representative from the United States for the Thailand Miss Universe pageant through its reality series Miss Universe Latina. To learn more about the Miss Universe Nicaragua candidates, visit
NBC Sports
03-07-2025
- Sport
- NBC Sports
Young players having key roles in Marlins' surprising improvement
MIAMI — After Eury Pérez struck out his season-high seventh batter on Thursday, the 6-foot-8 Marlins right-hander pumped his fist and looked up at the stands at Miami's loanDepot Park. It was another win for the Marlins — their ninth in 10 games — and the first victory of the season for Pérez after returning last month from Tommy John surgery that sidelined him all of 2024. Pérez allowed just one hit in six shutout innings against the Minnesota Twins on Thursday, the longest start of his career and one of the most dominant. At just 22 years and 79 days old, Pérez is the youngest starter in the majors this season to complete at least six scoreless innings while allowing no more than one hit. 'One of the best outings of the year,' Pérez said through an interpreter. 'That's what we've been working for. I can see the results. I feel very happy for the outcome. I feel great, healthy, and we will continue to keep working for more outings like that.' Thursday's 4-1 win gave the Marlins their fourth straight series victory going back to June 20. During that span, Miami won series at home against the Twins and Braves, as well as on the road against San Francisco and Arizona. The Marlins also went on an eight-game winning streak for the first time since 2008 during that 12-game stretch. That winning streak was snapped in Wednesday's 2-1 loss to the Twins, but Miami's 10 wins overall during the frame were the most in the league. 'Very happy with the way we've been playing this recent stretch,' manager Clayton McCullough said. 'And even going back before the winning streak ... our strike throwing as a whole has trended up, and that's made a big difference. The at-bat quality, the plan guys are taking into the box, being able to string at-bats together. They've continued to get better and better in their belief in that. And finally, the defense that we've played as a whole for me has been a lot better, a lot cleaner.' This season was meant to be a continuation of Miami's rebuild under President of Baseball Operations Peter Bendix, who replaced most pieces from year's 100-loss team and hired McCullough to lead an overhauled roster of prospects and mostly unknown players. What was supposed to be a year solely focused on finding which one of Miami's young additions would be key pieces to build around has brought forth a gritty squad that has far exceeded expectations. Miami is 39-46 entering a three-game series against Milwaukee, the final series of a six-game homestand. Entering Thursday night, the Marlins have the same record as the Braves for third place in the NL East. McCullough indicated that the team's place in the standings isn't necessarily as important as continuing to string together quality wins. 'Where we are right now, record-wise, who's in front, behind,' he said, 'less concerned with that, and just very pleased and proud of how we've played baseball. If we continue to play this brand, this style of clean baseball, then we're going to continue to win games.' Miami has gotten key contributions all over its lineup, from outfielder Kyle Stowers and second baseman Xavier Edwards to rookie catcher/designated hitter Agustín Ramírez, who was one of the top prospects acquired when Miami traded star Jazz Chisholm Jr. to the New York Yankees last summer. Stowers entered Thursday on a nine-game hitting streak and in the middle of his second 10-plus game on-base streak of the season. Ramírez's impressive rookie season has included a six-game hitting streak last month and the MLB lead among rookies in extra-base hits (29). The 23-year-old hit a two-run homer in the first inning Thursday, giving him 13 on the season, which also leads all MLB rookies. 'I think since I got here, the team, we were doing things the right way,' Ramírez said through an interpreter. 'The coach is doing an excellent job. We were doing a great job as well. It's just the results were not there. ... But I think what's going on now is that we were steady with our plan and things are coming up the right way now.' Ramírez added that there are some aspects of being underdogs that fuel this Marlins team. Miami has the lowest payroll in baseball and has lost 80-plus games in four of the past seven seasons. 'It does feel good that we are working really hard,' he said. 'We're trying our best. And now with these outcomes, we can show everybody the results of that.'
Hamilton Spectator
03-07-2025
- Sport
- Hamilton Spectator
Young players in key roles in Marlins' improvement
MIAMI (AP) — After Eury Pérez struck out his season-high seventh batter on Thursday, the 6-foot-8 Marlins right-hander pumped his fist and looked up at the stands at Miami's loanDepot Park. It was another win for the Marlins — their ninth in 10 games — and the first victory of the season for Pérez after returning last month from Tommy John surgery that sidelined him all of 2024. Pérez allowed just one hit in six shutout innings against the Minnesota Twins on Thursday, the longest start of his career and one of the most dominant. At just 22 years and 79 days old, Pérez is the youngest starter in the majors this season to complete at least six scoreless innings while allowing no more than one hit. 'One of the best outings of the year,' Pérez said through an interpreter. 'That's what we've been working for. I can see the results. I feel very happy for the outcome. I feel great, healthy, and we will continue to keep working for more outings like that.' Thursday's 4-1 win gave the Marlins their fourth straight series victory going back to June 20. During that span, Miami won series at home against the Twins and Braves, as well as on the road against San Francisco and Arizona. The Marlins also went on an eight-game winning streak for the first time since 2008 during that 12-game stretch. That winning streak was snapped in Wednesday's 2-1 loss to the Twins, but Miami's 10 wins overall during the frame were the most in the league. 'Very happy with the way we've been playing this recent stretch,' manager Clayton McCullough said. 'And even going back before the winning streak ... our strike throwing as a whole has trended up, and that's made a big difference. The at-bat quality, the plan guys are taking into the box, being able to string at-bats together. They've continued to get better and better in their belief in that. And finally, the defense that we've played as a whole for me has been a lot better, a lot cleaner.' This season was meant to be a continuation of Miami's rebuild under President of Baseball Operations Peter Bendix, who replaced most pieces from year's 100-loss team and hired McCullough to lead an overhauled roster of prospects and mostly unknown players. What was supposed to be a year solely focused on finding which one of Miami's young additions would be key pieces to build around has brought forth a gritty squad that has far exceeded expectations. Miami is 39-46 entering a three-game series against Milwaukee, the final series of a six-game homestand. Entering Thursday night, the Marlins have the same record as the Braves for third place in the NL East. McCullough indicated that the team's place in the standings isn't necessarily as important as continuing to string together quality wins. 'Where we are right now, record-wise, who's in front, behind,' he said, 'less concerned with that, and just very pleased and proud of how we've played baseball. If we continue to play this brand, this style of clean baseball, then we're going to continue to win games.' Miami has gotten key contributions all over its lineup, from outfielder Kyle Stowers and second baseman Xavier Edwards to rookie catcher/designated hitter Agustín Ramírez, who was one of the top prospects acquired when Miami traded star Jazz Chisholm Jr. to the New York Yankees last summer. Stowers entered Thursday on a nine-game hitting streak and in the middle of his second 10-plus game on-base streak of the season. Ramírez's impressive rookie season has included a six-game hitting streak last month and the MLB lead among rookies in extra-base hits (29). The 23-year-old hit a two-run homer in the first inning Thursday, giving him 13 on the season, which also leads all MLB rookies. 'I think since I got here, the team, we were doing things the right way,' Ramírez said through an interpreter. 'The coach is doing an excellent job. We were doing a great job as well. It's just the results were not there. ... But I think what's going on now is that we were steady with our plan and things are coming up the right way now.' Ramírez added that there are some aspects of being underdogs that fuel this Marlins team. Miami has the lowest payroll in baseball and has lost 80-plus games in four of the past seven seasons. 'It does feel good that we are working really hard,' he said. 'We're trying our best. And now with these outcomes, we can show everybody the results of that.' ___ AP MLB:
Winnipeg Free Press
03-07-2025
- Sport
- Winnipeg Free Press
Young players in key roles in Marlins' improvement
MIAMI (AP) — After Eury Pérez struck out his season-high seventh batter on Thursday, the 6-foot-8 Marlins right-hander pumped his fist and looked up at the stands at Miami's loanDepot Park. It was another win for the Marlins — their ninth in 10 games — and the first victory of the season for Pérez after returning last month from Tommy John surgery that sidelined him all of 2024. Pérez allowed just one hit in six shutout innings against the Minnesota Twins on Thursday, the longest start of his career and one of the most dominant. At just 22 years and 79 days old, Pérez is the youngest starter in the majors this season to complete at least six scoreless innings while allowing no more than one hit. 'One of the best outings of the year,' Pérez said through an interpreter. 'That's what we've been working for. I can see the results. I feel very happy for the outcome. I feel great, healthy, and we will continue to keep working for more outings like that.' Thursday's 4-1 win gave the Marlins their fourth straight series victory going back to June 20. During that span, Miami won series at home against the Twins and Braves, as well as on the road against San Francisco and Arizona. The Marlins also went on an eight-game winning streak for the first time since 2008 during that 12-game stretch. That winning streak was snapped in Wednesday's 2-1 loss to the Twins, but Miami's 10 wins overall during the frame were the most in the league. 'Very happy with the way we've been playing this recent stretch,' manager Clayton McCullough said. 'And even going back before the winning streak … our strike throwing as a whole has trended up, and that's made a big difference. The at-bat quality, the plan guys are taking into the box, being able to string at-bats together. They've continued to get better and better in their belief in that. And finally, the defense that we've played as a whole for me has been a lot better, a lot cleaner.' This season was meant to be a continuation of Miami's rebuild under President of Baseball Operations Peter Bendix, who replaced most pieces from year's 100-loss team and hired McCullough to lead an overhauled roster of prospects and mostly unknown players. What was supposed to be a year solely focused on finding which one of Miami's young additions would be key pieces to build around has brought forth a gritty squad that has far exceeded expectations. Miami is 39-46 entering a three-game series against Milwaukee, the final series of a six-game homestand. Entering Thursday night, the Marlins have the same record as the Braves for third place in the NL East. McCullough indicated that the team's place in the standings isn't necessarily as important as continuing to string together quality wins. 'Where we are right now, record-wise, who's in front, behind,' he said, 'less concerned with that, and just very pleased and proud of how we've played baseball. If we continue to play this brand, this style of clean baseball, then we're going to continue to win games.' Miami has gotten key contributions all over its lineup, from outfielder Kyle Stowers and second baseman Xavier Edwards to rookie catcher/designated hitter Agustín Ramírez, who was one of the top prospects acquired when Miami traded star Jazz Chisholm Jr. to the New York Yankees last summer. Stowers entered Thursday on a nine-game hitting streak and in the middle of his second 10-plus game on-base streak of the season. Ramírez's impressive rookie season has included a six-game hitting streak last month and the MLB lead among rookies in extra-base hits (29). The 23-year-old hit a two-run homer in the first inning Thursday, giving him 13 on the season, which also leads all MLB rookies. Thursdays Keep up to date on sports with Mike McIntyre's weekly newsletter. 'I think since I got here, the team, we were doing things the right way,' Ramírez said through an interpreter. 'The coach is doing an excellent job. We were doing a great job as well. It's just the results were not there. … But I think what's going on now is that we were steady with our plan and things are coming up the right way now.' Ramírez added that there are some aspects of being underdogs that fuel this Marlins team. Miami has the lowest payroll in baseball and has lost 80-plus games in four of the past seven seasons. 'It does feel good that we are working really hard,' he said. 'We're trying our best. And now with these outcomes, we can show everybody the results of that.' ___ AP MLB:
