Marlins Manager Explains Pulling Eury Perez Amid Perfect Game Bid, Bullpen Nearly Blew 8-Run Lead

Eury Pérez was perfect through nine innings when Miami Marlins manager Clayton McCullough decided it was time for a change on the mound.

Lake Bachar then came in for the Marlins and quickly gave up five runs, blowing the chance for a combined perfect game and letting the Athletics get back into it. Pete Fairbanks then gave up three runs, leaving the Athletics just one run shy of mounting an eight-run comeback.

After the game, McCullough explained his decision to pull Pérez after 92 pitches.

"I totally get it," McCullough told reporters. "There was a part of my heartstrings pulling at his opportunity to keep on going, but I have to think about Eury and our organization, our team and what's best moving forward to give us a chance to continue to win games."

Pérez was making his third start since returning from the injured list, so his long-term health was at the forefront of the decision.

"Going into this game, 90-plus was the pitch count but ... us looking to play beyond the regular season, Eury's going to be an important part of that," McCullough said. "He had it really going today."

Though missing out on the chance for history likely stings, Pérez understood McCullough's decision.

"It's something that doesn't feel good," Pérez said. "But they don't know the inside information. We had a plan of 90 pitches. I'm very proud of my team and very proud of my manager. Mostly the communication that we have."

Though the Marlins haven't been great this year, they're still in the playoff race, and they'll need Pérez at full health to keep their postseason hopes alive.