Angels' Sebastian Rivero becomes sixth No. 9 hitter to accomplish feat since 1920

Los Angeles Angels backup catcher Sebastian Rivero joined elite company Sunday.

Helping the bottom of the batting order ambush the Los Angeles Dodgers' No. 1-ranked pitching staff, Rivero went 5-for-5 and drove in six runs, leading the Angels to a 13-5 victory at Dodger Stadium.

Rivero became the sixth No. 9 hitter since 1920 to post five hits and collect at least five RBI during a game.  

Facing a Dodgers' staff with an MLB-best 3.01 earned run average, Rivero's second-inning, two-run single off starter Emmet Sheehan (3-3) opened the scoring. His ninth-inning, run-scoring double closed the rout.

Combined with Jo Adell, Nick Madrigal, who induced a second-inning, 14-pitch walk and Jose Siri, the bottom four batters in the Dodgers' lineup collected 13 hits in 15 at-bats with 10 runs scored 10 RBI.

Sunday's outburst helped Rivero make up for his slow offensive start. 

Angels' Sebastian Rivero makes MLB history

After producing just four hits in 38 at-bats in May, Rivero lost playing time, appearing in just one game since May 30. After going 0-for-3 during his previous start June 2, his batting average dropped to .133.

After Sunday's effort, his average spiked to .220.

After failing to produce an RBI until June 28, he delivered three two-run hits against the Dodgers. 

Here are the six MLB No. 9 hitters who collected five hits and at least five RBI during a game since 1920: 

Player, Date

• Sebastian Rivero (six RBI), June 7, 2026 
• Austin Wynns (six hits, six RBI), April 20, 2025
• Jackie Bradley Jr. (seven RBI), Aug. 15, 2015  
• Scott Fletcher, Aug. 28, 1992  
• Johnny Murphy, Aug. 28, 1936

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