Alcantara Tosses Gem as Marlins Edge Padres in Tight 3–2 Win

By Oliver Wiener July 25, 2025 09:23

On July 23, 2025, Miami Marlins ace Sandy Alcantara delivered a commanding performance, pitching seven strong innings in a hard-fought 3-2 victory over the San Diego Padres at LoanDepot Park. The reigning 2022 National League Cy Young winner’s outing stood out not only for its dominance but also for its timing, coming amid trade deadline rumors and following a challenging season rebound from Tommy John surgery.

Alcantara showed the full repertoire of his pitching arsenal, combining pinpoint control with electric stuff. Over 98 pitches, Alcantara struck out four batters while issuing no walks, showcasing the command he had prior to his surgery. His fastball velocity hovered around 97-98 mph, just above his season average, and he induced nine groundouts, effectively keeping the Padres’ offense at bay. Despite allowing four hits, Alcantara surrendered only one unearned run, preserving the tight lead throughout.

Marlins manager Clayton McCullough lauded Alcantara’s resilience: “We know it’s been talked about a lot, the struggles this year. Sandy has shown remarkable resilience and competitiveness. We should celebrate today because that was a fantastic outing.” Alcantara himself expressed satisfaction with the performance, stating, “I feel happy with the job I did because I needed it so much.” His determination was evident as he battled through seven innings without an earned run for the second time since returning from surgery.

Offensively, Miami’s breakthrough came courtesy of Jesús Sánchez’s two-run homer in the fifth inning, his ninth home run of the season, a towering fly ball to right field that gave the Marlins a crucial 3-1 lead. Sánchez’s timely blast was pivotal, especially against Padres starter Dylan Cease, who struggled with control and inconsistency throughout the game.

San Diego managed to narrow the gap in the eighth inning after a pinch-hit single by Jose Iglesias scored Jackson Merrill, but the Marlins’ bullpen held firm. Relievers Josh Simpson and Calvin Faucher combined to keep the Padres from closing the margin any further, with Faucher securing the save after stranding two runners in scoring position.

Padres manager Mike Shildt acknowledged Alcantara’s dominant performance: “He looked like the Sandy Alcantara we know, the Cy Young version.” Shildt’s remark underlined the difference between Alcantara’s current gem and the uneven outings that had marked his season before Wednesday’s game.

Amid swirling trade speculation, this start could boost Alcantara’s value, with clubs closely monitoring his ability to regain form ahead of the July 31 deadline. His contract through the next two seasons makes him an attractive asset for postseason contenders seeking frontline starting pitching.

Alcantara’s ERA decreased to 6.66 after this outing, reflecting an encouraging sign of his return to premier form. The Marlins, sitting at 48-53 with one of the youngest rosters in the league, remain competitive in stretches, with Alcantara’s resurgence offering hope for the team’s progress.

Reflecting on the game, Alcantara emphasized trust and perseverance: “There are a lot of people who don’t believe in me, but I don’t care what they say. I just have to trust in God’s process and fight for my team.” His mindset and performance on July 23 demonstrated both the talent and mental toughness that made him a Cy Young Award winner.

The Marlins’ narrow 3-2 win over the Padres was a showcase of clutch hitting from Sánchez and masterful pitching from Alcantara, blending to give Miami a key series victory as they approach the midseason trade deadline. This outing not only reinforced Alcantara’s status as the Marlins’ ace but also highlighted his potential impact should he remain healthy and consistent for the remainder of 2025.