Los Angeles Dodgers top prospect Josue De Paula hit a three-run homer—the first hit of his career—Sunday, but the Dodgers couldn't hold the lead as they lost, 6-4.
The Dodgers lost the second game of the series on Saturday, setting up an all-important rubber match on Sunday with a postseason berth growing ever closer.
Emmet Sheehan got the start for the Dodgers, making his second appearance since returning to the team following a fantastic stretch of starts in Triple-A, and carried his momentum from his solid start a week ago into Sunday's game.
He threw six scoreless innings, allowing two hits while striking out five batters. In his last start , Sheehan threw 5.2 innings and struck out 10 batters while allowing just one earned run.
The Dodgers didn't manage much offense in the first couple of innings, with De Paula being the only player to reach base across those two frames.
Sep 13, 2026; Miami, Florida, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers left fielder Josue de Paula (95) scores after hitting a three-run home run against the Miami Marlins during the fourth inning at loanDepot Park. Mandatory Credit: Sam Navarro-Imagn Images
LA got an opportunity to score in the third inning, putting two runners on with two outs, but a marginal ABS challenge sent Max Muncy down on strikes to end the inning.
De Paula stepped back up to the plate with two runners on and no outs in the fourth inning, and made the most of his opportunity. The 21-year-old put a great swing on a 2-2 fastball on the inside of the plate, sending it 416 feet into the second deck in right field.
The homer served as De Paula's first MLB hit, ending his three-game streak without a base knock.
The game went quiet for several innings after De Paula's homer, with the Marlins making the next breakthrough in the eighth inning.
They loaded the bases against reliever Edgardo Henriquez , singling twice and drawing a walk, bringing All-Star Otto Lopez back to the plate. He smoked a single into center field, scoring two runs and bringing the hosts within a run.
The Dodgers didn't let them get too close, though, as Mookie Betts came through once again for the Dodgers in the top of the ninth. Alex Freeland singled and stole second before Betts stepped up, and a ground-rule double from the former MVP brought home the Dodgers' fourth run of the day.
LA went on to load the bases in the ninth, though they couldn't turn their golden opportunity into any runs.
Tanner Scott came into the game in the ninth inning, but a late-inning collapse saw the Marlins win in walk-off fashion. The first two batters of the inning reached via singles, one of which came off of a bunt, and Javier Sanoja hit a double to bring both of them home to tie the game.
Immediately after, Agustin Ramirez stepped up and hit a two-run homer to end the game.
The Dodgers immediately jump back into action on Monday, facing the Cincinnati Reds in a four-game series beginning at 3:40 p.m. PT.
