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Phillies closer Hector Neris couldn't believe that he was denied a chance to take an at-bat

Being a reliever and all, Héctor Neris doesn't get many chances swing the bat. He's recorded exactly one plate appearance in his five years in the Major Leagues: a strikeout against the D-backs back on Aug. 11, 2015. But while it's not his day job, hitting is still a passion of his -- and it looked like he might finally get a chance to redeem himself at the plate during Tuesday night's game against the Braves.
After Neris pitched a clean ninth inning to preserve a tie game, Philly's offense rallied to plate four runs in the top of the 10th. With two outs already recorded and a 5-1 lead, it seemed like Gabe Kapler might let Neris hit for himself in order to send his closer back out for the bottom half. Alas, that wasn't how things played out: Kapler opted to go with Ben Lively instead -- also a pitcher, albeit one who put up a pretty respectable 77 OPS+ last year. 
As you might imagine, Neris needed a hug:

A heartbreaking moment, to be sure. But don't worry: He was all smiles as he headed back to the clubhouse, presumably to take some more swings in the batting cage.

You can never be too prepared.

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