Introduction to the Game
The Miami Marlins secured a thrilling 3-2 victory over the Pittsburgh Pirates on Tuesday night, thanks to an outstanding performance by Sandy Alcantara. Alcantara struck out six in six shutout innings, leading the Marlins to their second win in nine games.
The Winning Pitch
Alcantara (3-7) allowed three hits and walked one in his first win since April 12. The 2022 NL Cy Young Award winner had previously gone 0-7 with a 9.07 ERA in his nine starts, making this win a significant turnaround. Calvin Faucher worked around a two-on, no-out jam in the ninth for his fifth save, ensuring the Marlins’ victory.
Homeruns and Hits
Nick Fortes hit his second homer of the season for Miami, a two-run shot off Mitch Keller (1-9) in the third. Eric Wagaman added two hits for the Marlins, including an RBI single in the fourth. Ke’Bryan Hayes and Oneil Cruz homered against Miami reliever Ronny Henriquez to get the Pirates within one, but it wasn’t enough to change the outcome of the game.
The Pirates’ Performance
Keller allowed eight hits in six innings. The veteran right-hander is winless since beating the Marlins in his first start of the season on March 28. The Pirates fell to 15-15 since Don Kelly replaced Derek Shelton as manager in early May.
Key Moment
Faucher appeared wobbly after hitting Spencer Horwitz and giving up a single to Nick Gonzales to start the ninth. The Marlins caught a break, however, when pinch-runner Jared Triolo stumbled on Gonzales’ hit to right field, preventing him from attempting to head to third. Triolo ended the game on third base as the tying run.
Key Stat
2.28 — the run support Keller has received this season, one of the main reasons he is 1-9 despite a respectable 4.15 ERA.
Up Next
The series wraps up with a matinee on Wednesday. Cal Quantrill (3-6, 5.63 ERA) starts for Miami against Pittsburgh’s Bailey Falter (4-3, 3.49 ERA).
Conclusion
The Miami Marlins’ win over the Pittsburgh Pirates marked a significant turnaround for Sandy Alcantara, who had been struggling in his previous starts. The team’s victory was a result of outstanding pitching and timely hits, and they will look to build on this momentum in their upcoming games.
FAQs
- Q: Who was the winning pitcher for the Miami Marlins?
- A: Sandy Alcantara
- Q: How many hits did Eric Wagaman have for the Marlins?
- A: Two hits, including an RBI single
- Q: What is the run support Mitch Keller has received this season?
- A: 2.28
- Q: Who will start for the Marlins in the next game?
- A: Cal Quantrill
