Baseball interviews rarely leave reporters genuinely unsettled, but Sunday’s post-game conversation between the Marlins radio broadcaster and the team’s closer delivered exactly that kind of raw intensity. After Miami avoided a sweep against Toronto with a 5-3 victory, one pitcher’s brutally honest responses about his mental approach to closing games sent shockwaves through the baseball world.

The right-hander, who closed out the ninth inning with surgical precision, didn’t just retire three Blue Jays batters without allowing a ball to leave the infield – he delivered a post-game confession that left everyone stunned. Tyler Phillips’ dominance on the mound matched his fiery demeanor off it, as he revealed the burning intensity that fuels his performances. Phillips’ 3.27 ERA this season, paired with 2 saves and 41 strikeouts across 63.1 innings, proves his aggressive approach delivers results.

The interview with Marlins radio broadcaster Stephen Strom became must-watch content when Phillips openly discussed his pre-game ritual of slapping himself. “Pretty hard. My face is hot,” Phillips admitted when asked about the intensity of his self-administered face slaps before entering games. His candid responses painted a picture of controlled fury: “When they called down, I’m pissed off. I’m ready to go.” When Strom pressed about his anger, Phillips delivered a blunt three-word explanation: “I don’t like hitters.” The pitcher’s philosophy remained equally direct when describing his approach: “Throw the ball over the plate.”

Phillips’ intensity clearly rattled even the seasoned broadcaster, who concluded the interview by saying, “Great win, you’re scaring me. Go to the clubhouse.” The Marlins organization hasn’t commented on Phillips’ unique preparation methods, but his teammates have witnessed this fiery approach throughout the season. This isn’t Phillips’ first candid discussion about his unconventional methods. He has previously explained that he slaps himself to get his adrenaline going when it’s time to lock in. Earlier this season, he told Jeremy Taché that he is “just a little crazy” and emphasized that he doesn’t “like” the guys in the box with a stick in their hands. This maneuver triggers a fight-or-flight response, helps him see red, and brings the “wild animal” out of him.

That fierce mentality would prove crucial as Miami’s seemingly comfortable afternoon turned into a white-knuckle thriller. The game that showcased Phillips’ closing abilities didn’t start as the high-pressure situation that would ultimately define his performance.

Marlins Rally Sets Up Phillips’ Clutch Finish

That psychological warfare proved essential as Phillips entered what initially seemed like a comfortable situation that had transformed into pure chaos. Miami Marlins’ victory over Toronto wasn’t the routine affair many expected, with the Marlins fighting tooth and nail before securing their dramatic 5-3 triumph that showcased exactly why Phillips’ intense approach matters most when games hang in the balance.

Eric Wagaman jump-started the offense with a solo blast in the third, breaking the deadlock for Miami’s first advantage of the weekend. Two innings later, Marsee came through in the clutch, clearing the bases with a booming triple that had the Marlins sitting pretty at 4-0. Agustín Ramírez would later add what became the deciding run with a timely RBI single.

Pérez looked untouchable through six frames, limiting Toronto to just three scattered hits while fanning four and walking only one batter. The right-hander’s day ended at 6-3 on the season, but not before some late-game theatrics unfolded. Lake Bachar inherited a messy seventh inning with two runners aboard, and Daulton Varsho made him pay dearly, launching a mammoth 424-foot three-run shot that suddenly had the AL East leaders breathing down Miami’s neck.

Toronto threatened to complete the stunning comeback in the eighth with two runners in scoring position, but Ronny Henriquez slammed the door by getting Vladimir Guerrero Jr. to pop out in his return from a hamstring injury. Tyler Phillips sealed the deal with a perfect ninth inning for his second save.