Sebastian Rivero Makes History as Sixth No. 9 Hitter to Shine Since 1920

In a remarkable performance on Sunday, Los Angeles Angels' backup catcher Sebastian Rivero etched his name into baseball history. Against the formidable Los Angeles Dodgers, who boast the top-ranked pitching staff in Major League Baseball, Rivero achieved a stunning 5-for-5 day at the plate, driving in six runs and propelling the Angels to a 13-5 triumph at Dodger Stadium.

Rivero's impressive outing marked him as only the sixth No. 9 hitter since 1920 to record five hits and at least five RBIs in a single game. He initiated the scoring with a two-run single in the second inning off Dodgers' starter Emmet Sheehan, who holds a 3-3 record. To cap off his stellar performance, Rivero delivered a run-scoring double in the ninth inning.

The bottom of the Angels’ batting order, which also included Jo Adell and Nick Madrigal, was instrumental in this victory, collectively notching 13 hits in 15 at-bats while scoring 10 runs and driving in 10 RBIs. This offensive explosion came as a welcome relief for Rivero, who had been struggling at the plate prior to this game.

After managing only four hits in 38 at-bats throughout May, Rivero had seen his playing time diminish, appearing in just one game since May 30. Following a 0-for-3 performance in his previous game on June 2 that lowered his batting average to .133, Rivero's Sunday success raised it to .220. Remarkably, after not producing an RBI until June 28, he recorded three two-run hits against the Dodgers.

Here’s a look at the six MLB No. 9 hitters who have achieved five hits and five RBIs in a game since 1920: Sebastian Rivero (six RBIs) on June 7, 2026; Austin Wynns (six hits, six RBIs) on April 20, 2025; Jackie Bradley Jr. (seven RBIs) on August 15, 2015; Scott Fletcher on August 28, 1992; and Johnny Murphy on August 28, 1936.