Miami Marlins pitcher Sandy Alcantara earned his 111th quality start in a win over the Philadelphia Phillies on Tuesday in Miami. File Photo by Bonnie Cash/UPI | License Photo
Sandy Alcantara dazed deadwood swingers with lethal pitches, carrying the Miami Marlins to victory over the Philadelphia Phillies on Tuesday in Miami.
With the 1-0 triumph, the Marlins (54-54) climbed back to .500 and earned their second consecutive victory after snapping a franchise-record dozen-game losing streak Monday at loanDepot park.
Alcantara allowed just four hits over seven scoreless innings. The Cy Young Award-winning ace also set a franchise record with the 111th quality start of his decorated MLB career.
The Marlins jumped on the scoreboard first when first baseman Kyle Stowers crushed a hanging knuckle curve to right center for a 390-foot solo homer in the first inning. That proved to be the only run needed as Alcantara, who didn’t allow a hit until the fifth, kept the Phillies quiet for the majority of the night.
He hurled seven different pitches against Bryce Harper and the Phillies’ talented lineup, keeping them off balance with his sinker, cutter and rare curveballs.
Is it? Is it? IT IS. pic.twitter.com/qKYg8jv1c1— Miami Marlins (@Marlins) July 28, 2026
Marlins relief pitchers Calvin Faucher and Pete Fairbanks did not allow a hit, run or walk over the final two innings to preserve Alcantara’s gem.
Designated hitter Liam Hicks went 2 for 4 in the victory. Second baseman Xavier Edwards, who went 1 for 2 with two walks, was the only player to reach base more than twice in the matchup.
Phillies starter Aaron Nola allowed five hits over 5 2/3 innings. His lone blemish was Stowers’ solo shot. Right fielder Bryan De La Cruz, who went 2 for 3, was the only Phillies player with multiple hits.
With Tuesday’s win, the Marlins also earned their 16th series victory over the season. They’ve now won or tied 18 of the 35 series they’ve played this season. They entered Tuesday with four consecutive series losses.
The Phillies (57-51) loss was their sixth in seven games. They remain in second place in the National League East, six games behind the division-leading Atlanta Braves (62-44).
The Marlins, who sit in fourth place in the National League East, will host the Phillies in the series finale at 12:10 p.m. EDT Wednesday in Miami.
