Marlins Edge Padres 3-2 Behind Alcantara's Strong Performance

Jesús Sánchez launched a two-run homer, propelling the Miami Marlins to a 3-2 victory over the San Diego Padres on Wednesday afternoon. Sandy Alcantara, the 2022 NL Cy Young winner, showcased his skills with seven innings pitched, striking out four batters and allowing just one run.

Dylan Cease, the Padres' starting pitcher, faced early challenges, issuing walks to Miami's first two batters. Augustín Ramírez capitalized on this opportunity, hitting a single to center field that brought Xavier Edwards home, giving the Marlins an early lead.

The Padres responded in the fourth inning. A throwing error by catcher Nick Fortes allowed Luis Arraez to advance to second base. Manny Machado then tied the game with a single to left field. However, the inning ended abruptly for San Diego as a double play thwarted any further scoring.

In the fifth inning, Sánchez struck again, hitting his ninth home run of the season—a fly ball that sailed over the right field fence—extending Miami's lead to 3-1. Cease managed to retire the next two batters but was replaced before the sixth inning commenced.

Relief pitcher Josh Simpson took over for Alcantara in the eighth but allowed a run when pinch-hitter Jose Iglesias connected for a single that scored Jackson Merrill. Calvin Faucher then entered the game, successfully stranding two runners on base and preserving Miami's slim lead.

Faucher secured the save after pitching 1 2/3 innings, marking the Marlins' second consecutive series win. Earlier in the game, Javier Sanoja reached first base due to an errant throw, setting the stage for Sánchez's impactful home run.

Alcantara's performance was pivotal; he threw 98 pitches, recorded four strikeouts, and notably did not issue any walks, effectively limiting the Padres' offensive efforts.

Looking ahead, Yu Darvish (0-2, 6.08 ERA) is slated to start for the Padres in their upcoming four-game series against the Cardinals. Meanwhile, the Marlins will enjoy a day off before facing the Brewers in a three-game series, with their starting pitcher yet to be announced.