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The Ballad of an Interim Closer: Hector Neris Deserves a Little More Respect

Fun fact: Hector Neris is the longest-tenured player on the Phillies roster.

His major league debut was on August 5, 2014. A 25-year-old Hector Neris entered in the top of the 15th inning with the game tied at one. He struck out the first batter on three pitches. Catcher Carlos Ruiz fumbled the third strike, but he managed to throw to first baseman Ryan Howard for the out. The next batter grounded out to second baseman Chase Utley. The third batter flew out to center field, and the inning was over. Neris had retired the side on nine pitches.