Reds storm back with late rally to beat Marlins in extra innings
The Reds finally chased Sandy Alcantara and found a way to win.
ARLINGTON, TEXAS - APRIL 5: Elly de la Cruz #44 and teammate Matt McLain #9 of the Cincinnati Reds celebrate the team's win following the game against the Texas Rangers at Globe Life Field on April 5, 2026 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Ron Jenkins/Getty Images) | Getty Images Sandy Alcantara was the runaway winner of the National League Cy Young Award back in 2022 and, when right, remains one of the elite pitchers in all of Major League Baseball. Since then, though, he’s had his share of hurdles.
Tommy John surgery cost him all of the 2024 season, and his 2025 season – while thorough with 174. 2 IP – featured a shell of his former self as command issues left him pitching from behind in counts like never before. On Tuesday night vs.
the Cincinnati Reds, though, Sandy looked every bit the part of his former self. For eight innings, he held Cincinnati scoreless, and did so in efficient enough fashion that he was brought back out for the Top of the 9th having allowed just a pair of hits all night. That changed immediately with a Matt McLain double with 1-out, and after Alcantara walked Elly De La Cruz the Marlins manager opted to turn to his bullpen with his ace at 95 pitches and the Marlins holding a perilous 2-0 lead.
The Reds proceeded to feast. A double steal, a Sal Stewart sac fly, and a wild pitch by reliever Anthony Bender later and the game was tied a 2-2. And after Emilio Pagán flirted with (and avoided) disaster in the Bottom of the 9th, Cincinnati exploded for four runs in the Top of the 10th to seize a commanding lead.