Sandy Alcantara throws gem in Opening Day win over Rockies

Miami, Florida – The Miami Marlins started the season right thanks to Sandy Alcantara’s performance on the mound in the 2-1 win over the Colorado Rockies. Alcantara held the visitors in check, going seven strong, giving up one unearned run on four hits and striking out five. The Sand Man ran into some trouble in the fourth but pitched himself out of the bases-loaded jam. Walking two, Sandy was effective with his pitch count, throwing 73, 49 of those for strikes.

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A late addition to the lineup. He was great for Team Canada at the WBC, slashing .412/.476/.765, and was the centerpiece of the Edward Cabrera trade.#Marlins || #FightinFish

— Gabriel Garcia (@Gabewritesports) March 28, 2026

The Fightin’ Fish got to work early in the second. Xavier Edwards recorded Miami’s first hit of 2026, singling to center field. Marlins rookie Owen Caissie followed up with an RBI double, making it 1-0. Caissie wasn’t supposed to start, but Christopher Morel’s late scratch from the lineup awarded him the opportunity. Morel suffered an oblique strain. Owen concluded the night 1-for-3, scoring once. Javier Sanoja then complemented the home team’s lead with an RBI single. Newcomer Austin Slater showed off his arm during the fourth frame when Hunter Goodman lined to right field, throwing out Jake McCarthy at home. Colorado still managed to load the bases, helped in part by Sanoja’s error at third, allowing Jordan Beck to knock one in on a base hit. Alcantara struck out Brenton Doyle to get out of the inning.

Oh him? Yeah, he's goated 👇 pic.twitter.com/eeaAWY3Zx8

— Miami Marlins (@Marlins) March 28, 2026

Andrew Nardi took over in the eighth, striking out two of the three batters he faced in his brief return. It was Nardi’s first appearance since August 2024. Anthony Bender shut down a potential rally, fanning Willi Castro with runners at the corners. Pete Fairbanks closed it out in the ninth to record his first save with the Fish. Sanoja and Connor Norby were the only players who had a multi-hit game. Javier finished 3-for-3 with an RBI while Norby went 2-for-3, including a double.

Impressions

Owen Caissie speaks on Sandy's impressive performance and the at-bat that was the team’s first double and RBI.#Marlins || #FightinFish pic.twitter.com/DIJKtJsgLf

— Gabriel Garcia (@Gabewritesports) March 28, 2026

Not a bad way to start the season. Sandy was great on the mound, teasing the crowd of 32,459 with a nice show illustrating glimmers of his 2022 Cy Young year. It was the Rockies, although the positive outing is encouraging. The offense did enough to win despite going 1-for-10 with runners in scoring position, stranding nine. Aside from Alcantara, I was happy with Caissie, Norby, and Nardi. Owen has lots of potential and should be at least an impact player in the near future. Norby wants to put an injury-riddled 2025 behind him, and tonight was a first step. Speaking of, seeing Nardi back on the mound was great. He was impressive, and the top brass should be giddy about how good the bullpen can be. Again, it’s the Rockies. Regardless, momentum is an important thing to achieve early in the season.

Coach McCullough on Sandy returning from injury.#Marlins || #FightinFish pic.twitter.com/o6lStJY0DH

— Gabriel Garcia (@Gabewritesports) March 28, 2026

About Post Author

Gabriel Garcia

Just an avid sports fan who happens to have a love-hate (mostly love) relationship with his local teams be it collegiate or professional and also happens to be a news junkie. Mix in outstanding optimism with cold realism and you’ve got yourself a balanced cocktail perfect for champions.

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