Historic Rule Seals Phillies’ Victory Over Red Sox, Ends 50-Year MLB Drought

Phillies Claim Walk-Off Win Over Red Sox Via Rare Catcher’s Interference Call
By Jack Bezants | Updated: 04:58 BST, 22 July 2025

[Image 1: Philadelphia Phillies celebrate walk-off win against Boston Red Sox]
Caption: The Phillies secured a dramatic 3-2 victory Monday thanks to a historic ruling.

The Philadelphia Phillies clinched a bizarre 3-2 walk-off win over the Boston Red Sox on Monday after a catcher’s interference call ended the game in the 10th inning—marking the first time in over 50 years such a ruling decided a MLB contest.

Controversial Finish
With automatic runner Brandon Marsh on second base to start the bottom of the 10th, Philadelphia’s Edmundo Sosa checked his swing on a 2-2 pitch from reliever Jordan Hicks. During the motion, Sosa’s bat grazed the glove of Boston catcher Carlos Narvaez, prompting Phillies manager Rob Thomson to challenge the play. After review, umpires awarded Sosa first base via catcher’s interference, allowing Marsh to score the winning run without a hit in the inning.

The last walk-off victory decided by catcher’s interference occurred on August 1, 1971, when the Los Angeles Dodgers defeated the Cincinnati Reds in 11 innings.

[Image 2: Edmundo Sosa’s bat makes contact with Carlos Narvaez’s glove]
Caption: Sosa’s checked swing resulted in a game-ending interference call against Narvaez.

Narvaez, who assumed responsibility for the costly error, expressed frustration postgame: “The swing was so late. I had the ball, then felt the contact. It sucks to lose like this.” The Red Sox catcher added, “I take accountability. Small things change games, and I’ve got to be better.”

Pitching Highlights
Phillies ace Zack Wheeler delivered a strong six-inning start, allowing two runs and striking out 10 batters. Relievers Tanner Banks, Orion Kerkering, Matt Strahm, and Max Lazar combined for four scoreless innings, with Lazar securing his first MLB win.

Boston’s Walker Buehler matched Wheeler’s effort, yielding just two runs (one earned) over seven innings. However, Hicks (1-6) faltered in the 10th, walking two batters and hurling a wild pitch to set up Philadelphia’s winning sequence.

Key Moments
The Red Sox struck first with Jarren Duran’s leadoff homer, his ninth of the season. Philadelphia responded in the fourth: Bryce Harper doubled, Nick Castellanos singled him home, and J.T. Realmuto plated Castellanos after a passed ball. Boston’s Trevor Story tied the game 2-2 with an RBI single in the sixth.

Harper continued his hot streak, notching his 14th hit and 13th extra-base hit in his last eight games. The Phillies (57-43) now lead the NL East, while the Red Sox sit third in the AL East, trailing the Yankees by one game.

[Image 3: Bryce Harper celebrates after scoring a run]
Caption: Harper’s recent surge includes nine doubles and four homers in eight games.

The teams resume their three-game series Tuesday, with Philadelphia aiming to solidify their division lead and Boston seeking redemption after Monday’s unprecedented finish.

Final Score: Phillies 3, Red Sox 2 (10 innings)

— Additional reporting by Associated Press

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