Marlins Offense Erupts for 16 Hits and Sandy Shines in Win Over Nationals

Miami, FL – The month of May has not been kind to the Miami Marlins. Miami has lost four straight series to start the month and went 3-13 during that span. The Marlins have a chance to climb back in the National League East division with the visiting Washington Nationals in town. Miami swept the Nationals earlier in the season at Washington behind great starting pitching.

Washington is currently at the bottom of the NL East and entered the series against Miami with a 12-24 record. Miami had their ace on the mound for the series opener and hoped to get the team moving in the right direction.

40 Minutes away from first pitch! @Marlins will kick off a 3 game series tonight against the @Nationals
Sandy Alcantara will be on the mound starting in place of Luzardo who has been moved to the 15day IL
Will be here covering all three games for @LemonCityLive @firstpitch305

— Alex “Milo” Aguirre (@aguirrethecap33) May 16, 2022

Sandy Alcantara was on the mound for Miami tonight in place of left-hander Jesus Luzardo. Manager Don Mattingly moved Alcantara one day up in the rotation due to Luzardo’s injury. Luzardo was placed on the 15- day injured list this past Sunday with a left forearm strain. This move by Mattingly does not affect Alcantara’s recovery time since he had the usual amount of time to rest. By the way he performed tonight, the change in schedule didn’t seem to cause any trouble.

Sandy’s Support

It seems like every time Miami’s ace steps on the mound the Marlins offense goes quiet. Tonight’s game told a different tale however. The Marlins scored 8 runs in the game and collected a season-high 16 hits. Six Marlins had at least two or more hits. That’s the type of support any pitcher wishes to get every outing.

After a quick, nine-pitch first inning for the Nationals starter, Aaron Sanchez, the Marlins offense showed up and backed up their starter in the second inning.

The Marlins were down 1-0 going into the second but were able to tie the game and grab the lead. They rallied for four runs sparked by Avisail Garcia‘s third home run of the season. Brian Anderson followed the home run with a walk and Bryan De La Cruz doubled to left field.

Avisail Garcia was off to a rough start, but his offense has come to life in the recent road trip and he homered last night to tie the game. Here’s what Garcia thought about Alcantara giving him and the other big bats in the lineup support. @LemonCityLive #Marlins @firstpitch305 pic.twitter.com/us3I857aAF

— Alex “Milo” Aguirre (@aguirrethecap33) May 17, 2022

Miami had runners on second and third with one out, and the Marlins grabbed the lead from an unlikely hero. With Joey Wendle on the injured list, Miami called up infield utility player Erik Gonzalez from Triple A. Gonzalez took advantage of the start at shortstop today and smacked a base hit up the middle while Washington’s infield was drawn in. Miami had the lead and did not let it go from that point on.

In front courtesy of Erik Gonzalez!

📻: @MarlinsRadio, @GlennGeffner pic.twitter.com/DYygcneQTO

— Kyle Sielaff (@Kyle_Sielaff) May 16, 2022

Jacob Stallings kept the line moving with an opposite-field double and Jazz Chisholm Jr. got involved in the offense with an RBI single to drive in Gonzalez. Miami’s second-inning rally would end there, but a 4-1 lead was plenty of room to work with for Alcantara.

The Nationals did not find any success against Sandy and that three-run lead felt very secure. Miami’s offense still added some valuable insurance runs later in the game and saw contributions throughout the whole lineup, including struggling players.

A Leader Stepping Up

The Marlins have been reeling as of late but when Sandy is on the mound, Miami is in good shape for a win. The Marlins will have a spot starter in place of Luzardo for game two and the bullpen could see a lot of action in this series.

Just like for a lot of pitchers around the league, the first inning can be difficult.  Alcantara’s outing got off to a shaky start. He gave up three base hits and one run scored on a Yadiel Hernandez single. In the following inning, Alcantara’s control was an issue. He hit Victor Robles with a pitch and walked Cesar Hernandez. The Nationals had runners on first and second base with one out and but Sandy buckled down. He was able to get Juan Soto and Josh Bell to ground out and end Washington’s rally.

Juan Soto in his career vs. Sandy Alcantara

Advantage Soto the first 2 seasons, advantage Sandy recently pic.twitter.com/LnGWydOOEb

— Fish On First Spaces (@MarlinsSpaces) May 16, 2022

The Hernandez walk was the last baserunner Alcantara allowed. From the beginning of the third inning to the final out of his outing, Alcantara retired every single batter he faced in order. His night finished after completing the eighth inning and recorded 20 consecutive outs! Alcantara pitched a perfect game for six complete innings.

https://twitter.com/JustBBMedia/status/1526376805795602432?s=20&t=puLrGPyw_RkTntvey0erXw

Alcantara stepped up in today’s game and was able to preserve the bullpen for the upcoming games. It didn’t seem like his outing would go that far after throwing 43 pitches in the first two innings alone. Alcantara finished with 100 pitches, 71 for strikes, and five strikeouts. He pitched the way a leader of a pitching staff should.

Marlins Finishing Touches

Another player that has had a rough start to their season is slugger Jorge Soler. He had two hits, made solid contact, and did not strike out in the game. If Garcia and Soler can get their bats going, then Miami’s lineup can cause problems for opposing pitchers.

Soler’s second hit of the night came in the bottom of the seventh when Miami rallied for another four-run inning. He was awarded with two runs batted in and almost had a little league grand slam thanks to Washington’s poor defense on the play.

The amount of loud contact by #Marlins hitters tonight was staggering. 11 balls hit in excess of 100 MPH. The 3 hardest-hit balls of the night were all crushed by Jorge Soler: 113.2 MPH, 112.7 MPH and 111.0 MPH. @MarlinsRadio pic.twitter.com/9ObhosFZ6j

— Glenn Geffner (@GlennGeffner) May 17, 2022

With an 8-1 lead going into the ninth, the Marlins decided to go with a fresh arm out of the bullpen in Anthony Bass. Overall, Bass is having a great start to his season compared to last year. His earned run average was under 2.00 entering the series.

Unfortunately, Bass’ outing started off on the wrong foot. He was charged with an error by missing a catch covering first base while Garrett Cooper was fielding a Yadiel Hernandez ground ball. Bass then gave up a single to Keibert Ruiz and Lane Thomas brought in Hernandez with another single. Bass was able to get the final out of the game and secure an 8-2 victory for Miami.

Miami has a chance tomorrow to win their first series since their series win against Seattle on April 29-May 1. Cody Poteet will get the start tomorrow in place of Luzardo. Poteet is the team’s primary long reliever and has excelled in his role. He has pitched 16 1/3 innings with an outstanding 0.55 ERA. After Sandy’s performance, the bullpen will be ready and rested to support Poteet. First pitch is at 6:40.

Photo | Karla Moreno