Sandy Alcantara strikes out 10, clips LA Angels

Miami, Florida – It was one heck of a pitching matchup tonight as Sandy Alcantara outdueled Noah Syndergaard, silencing the LA Angels for another Marlins win. Spinning eight shutout innings, Alcantara pitched a masterful game striking out 10 batters. It’s Sandy’s eighth career game with 10+ strikeouts, his second this year.

“Sandy’s a show every time he pitches,” coach Don Mattingly said.

Sandy Alcantara showed why he is 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙗𝙚𝙨𝙩 𝙥𝙞𝙩𝙘𝙝𝙚𝙧 𝙞𝙣 𝙗𝙖𝙨𝙚𝙗𝙖𝙡𝙡 once again

8 IP / 2 H / 0 R / 0 BB / 10 K / 107 pitches

• 11 straight starts of 7+ IP
• 9-3 record
• 1.82 ERA@Marlins | #MakeItMiami pic.twitter.com/mrdVL01tdi

— Bally Sports Florida: Marlins (@BallyMarlins) July 6, 2022

With the 2-1 win, Miami is now 39-40. With a generally favorable schedule for the rest of the month, the Marlins are poised to climb past .500 being just three and a half games behind the final wildcard spot.

The strike zone was all over the place Tuesday night. Fans and players alike were frustrated by the calls, particularly Avisaíl García who was tossed from the game during the fourth inning. The Sand Man got just enough help at the plate too. Garrett Cooper and Bryan De La Cruz homered giving the Fish the necessary oomph to keep the hot streak alive.

GO OFF COOP. ‼️ pic.twitter.com/4cnqRv6ZKf

— Miami Marlins (@Marlins) July 5, 2022

The Angels caused some drama in the ninth by loading the bases and scoring a run on Taylor Ward’s sacrifice fly. Tanner Scott, however, got Jared Walsh to line out to center ending the game. It proved fortuitous for the Marlins considering they squandered their own bases-loaded attempt in the eighth that ended in a 5-2-3 double play.

“I’ve learned that he makes me nervous,” Mattingly joked. “He gets a little scattered now and then but he gets back in the zone.”

The skipper pointed out that no matter the situation nothing seems to bother him making Scott ideal for the role.

During the exciting night of baseball, Jesús Aguilar stole the first-ever base in his MLB career.

Jesús Aguilar breaks down his first career stolen base 🤣@Marlins | #MakeItMiami pic.twitter.com/kXzMr0kKIA

— Bally Sports Florida: Marlins (@BallyMarlins) July 6, 2022

Star Power

Hats off to one of the best starts I’ve seen from Sandy. The guy was lights out taking on the best the Angels had to offer. If anyone ever asks who is the best pitcher in Major League Baseball, look no further. Although the offense was held to a pair of runs, they made ’em count.

🗣️ 𝙄𝙏'𝙎 𝘼 𝙈𝘼𝙍𝙇𝙄𝙉𝙎 𝙒𝙄𝙉

Behind yet another remarkable performance from Sandy Alcantara – 8 IP / 2 H / 0 R / 0 BB / 10 K – the Marlins make it 6 straight wins 🔥

Sandy improves to 9-3 and the Marlins are just 1 game under .500!@Marlins | #MakeItMiami pic.twitter.com/Ev41jXWcGC

— Bally Sports Florida: Marlins (@BallyMarlins) July 6, 2022

In one of my rare coverage games on a weekday (Tuesday especially), I had the pleasure of watching not only the Sand Man on the mound but also Noah Syndergaard, Mike Trout, and one of the brightest stars in the league Shohei Ohtani. He isn’t my favorite but it’s not every day you see an impressive two-way player. It was also his birthday so that’s awesome.

The Fish rode into this one brandishing one of the hottest winning streaks. After sweeping the cellar-dweller Washington Nationals and taking the first game of two from Los Angeles, Miami is now one game below .500.

The strike zone was a joke in the early game and Avisaíl García was not afraid to show it. I liked that. Unfortunately for him, he was unable to finish the game. Good work by Cooper and De La Cruz with those clutch hits. The Fighting Fish go up against Ohtani himself tomorrow. Strap yourselves in for that one.

🗣: BE HAPPY pic.twitter.com/HBZvqGA2YO

— Miami Marlins (@Marlins) July 6, 2022