Sandy Alcantara added another milestone to his career on Saturday, striking out eight over seven dominant innings as the Miami Marlins defeated the Los Angeles Angels 7-0.
The veteran right-hander became the Marlins’ all-time leader in innings pitched during the outing, surpassing Ricky Nolasco’s franchise record. Alcantara controlled the game from the start, allowing just three hits and one walk while earning his 13th win of the season.
Miami backed its ace with timely offense, highlighted by Xavier Edwards’ three-RBI performance. Otto Lopez added two RBIs, and the Marlins steadily built their lead while handing the Angels another difficult defeat.
Alcantara Makes Franchise History
Alcantara reached a significant milestone in the third inning when he recorded the 1,226th inning of his Marlins career, moving past Ricky Nolasco for the most innings pitched in franchise history.
The right-hander looked in command throughout his outing. He mixed his pitches effectively, limited hard contact and consistently worked ahead in the count. The Angels managed only three hits against him and never mounted a serious scoring threat.
Alcantara struck out eight batters over seven scoreless innings while issuing just one walk. His efficient performance kept Miami in complete control and improved his season record to 13-6.
Pete Fairbanks finished the shutout in dominant fashion, striking out all three batters he faced in the ninth inning.
Marlins Strike Early
Miami’s offense provided Alcantara with an early cushion in the third inning.
Xavier Edwards opened the scoring with an RBI double that gave the Marlins a 2-0 advantage. Otto Lopez followed with a two-run single, extending the lead to 4-0 and putting immediate pressure on Angels starter Walbert Ureña.
The four-run inning proved more than enough for Alcantara, but the Marlins continued to add insurance.
Edwards Leads Balanced Attack
Edwards continued his productive afternoon in the fifth inning.
Jakob Marsee led off the frame with a triple before Edwards lined an RBI single to bring him home. Griffin Conine later singled, and Heriberto Hernández followed with an RBI double as Miami stretched its advantage to 7-0.
Edwards finished with three RBIs, while Lopez drove in two runs. Marsee, Conine, and Hernández each contributed key hits as the Marlins produced steady offense throughout the game.
Miami capitalized on scoring opportunities and consistently put pressure on the Angels’ pitching staff.
Ureña Exits Early
Walbert Ureña struggled to contain Miami’s lineup.
The Angels’ right-hander lasted only 2 1/3 innings, allowing four earned runs on four hits. He walked three and struck out two before being lifted with the Marlins already holding a comfortable lead.
Despite the early deficit, reliever Brett Kerry provided valuable length out of the bullpen. Kerry worked the final 5 2/3 innings, striking out seven while allowing six hits and one walk. His effort prevented further damage and spared the rest of the Angels’ bullpen after the early exit by Ureña.
Angels Offense Shut Down
Los Angeles had few answers against Alcantara.
The Angels managed only three hits over seven innings against the former Cy Young Award winner and never advanced enough runners to threaten a comeback. Miami’s pitching staff kept the lineup quiet from the opening inning through the final out.
Fairbanks completed the combined shutout with a perfect ninth inning, striking out each batter he faced.
The loss dropped Ureña to 7-8 on the season as the Angels continued to search for consistency on both sides of the ball.
Up Next
The Angels concluded the series on Sunday with right-hander Grayson Rodriguez scheduled to start. Rodriguez entered the game with a 3-4 record and a 7.24 ERA.
The Marlins planned to send right-hander Ryan Gusto to the mound for the series finale. Gusto entered with an 0-3 record and a 4.80 ERA.