Sandy Alcantara questions Marlins' decision to end bid for back-to-back shutouts in 9th inning
The Marlins ace looked like an ace again. He also didn't look happy.
At the risk of cliché, let’s borrow the title of a classic Western film to go through Miami Marlins ace Sandy Alcantara’s start on Tuesday. The Good was the first eight innings, when Alcantara ran through the Cincinnati Reds like a buzzsaw and extended his season-opening scoreless streak to 24 innings. He was at only 82 pitches entering the ninth inning, putting him in position to become the first MLB player to post back-to-back shutouts since 2015.
The Bad was the ninth inning, when Alcantara allowed a one-out double to Reds second baseman Matt McLain then walked Elly De La Cruz to put the tying run on base. Marlins manager Clayton McCullough pulled him at 95 pitches and watched the Reds tie the game against reliever Anthony Bender, then win the game 6-3 in the 10th inning. It was a quick hook for Alcantara, which triggered boos from fans at loanDepot Park.
Loud boos towards Clayton McCullough in Miami as the fans wanted to see Sandy Alcantara finish the game pic. twitter. com/Vcu9TQ7WlE — Talkin' Baseball (@TalkinBaseball_) April 8, 2026 The Ugly was what came after the game, when Alcantara sent a pretty clear shot McCullough’s way about the decision to pull him while speaking with reporters.
Via Fish on First’s Kevin Barral : “I feel like I deserve to be asked how I feel before getting taken out of the game. This an area where I get to 95 pitches and a righty on deck, it is what it is. Just got to get ready for my next outing.