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Indians-Twins telecast “much more than a game” for Rivera

ESPN, ESPN Deportes MLB reporter reflects on her latest visit to her native Puerto Rico

On the April 18 edition of ESPN’s Wednesday Night Baseball, the Cleveland Indians played the Minnesota Twins at Hiram Bithorn Stadium in San Juan, Puerto Rico. The 16-inning game, which continues ESPN and MLB’s collaborative effort to air games in unique and innovative locations, was played hours after an island-wide blackout hit Puerto Rico. Officials determined the game could go on as scheduled with the help of backup systems.

ESPN and ESPN Deportes reporter Marly Rivera was born in San Juan. Her entire family lives in Puerto Rico and endured Hurricane Maria last September.

“I’m so happy that we were able to bring smiles and joy to the many people who had the opportunity to see Puerto Rico hosting a Major League Baseball game seven months after one of the most devastating natural disasters in recent history,” said Rivera, who made her fifth visit to the island since the hurricane. “It’s an extraordinary accomplishment that Puerto Rico should feel very proud of.

“I feel very proud of ESPN for the telecast that we put together under very difficult circumstances, and I’m particularly in awe of the production and operations crew who made this game possible when faced with a very daunting task in the middle of an island-wide power outage. This was much more than a baseball game for me, for my family, and for the millions of Puerto Ricans who firmly believe that the island will bounce back, wiser, stronger, and better than ever.”

As in-game reporter for the Puerto Rico contest, Rivera interviewed MLB stars Eddie Rosario, José Berríos, Sandy Alomar and Roberto Pérez. She also conducted post-game interviews with Brian Dozier, Joe Mauer, Miguel Sanó and Rosario.

In advance of the game, Rivera reported on Cleveland Indians catcher Pérez and his mom Lilliam (see tweet above), who lost her home in the aftermath of Hurricane Maria. Visit ESPNDeportes.com to watch the feature in Spanish.

Earlier this year, Rivera also interviewed several Puerto Rican MLB players and coaches who came home to aid the island, as seen in the video below.

Marly Rivera provided the photos in the gallery above.

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