Sandy Alcantara Wins In Possible Final Home Start

MIAMI, FL – Sandy Alcantara had his best start of the 2025 season today against the Padres. With the MLB Trade Deadline approaching fast, he leaves the Marlins front office with a tough decision to make. Regardless, Alcantara helped his team win 3-2 in what was a possible final home start. “El Caballo” displayed his endurance, pitching seven innings, allowing four hits, an earned run, and striking out four. The Marlins are now winners of seven of their last nine series.

A Bid Farewell?

If today was Sandy Alcantara’s last-ever home start at Loan Depot Park, he certainly made it a spectacular one to be a part of.

Having previously been a shoo-in to be traded this July, Alcantara was untouchable all game. He retired the first 10 batters he faced. Luis Arraez broke his perfect game with a base hit in the 4th inning. He then advanced to second after Nick Fortes had a throwing error to 1st in a pickoff attempt. Manny Machado singled into left and drove him in to tie the game 1-1.

His yearly average velocity on all his pitches was up. Sandy Alcantara averaged 89.8 mph on the slider, 86.6 mph on the curve, 91.4 mph on the changeup, and 98.7 mph on the sinker. He only threw 10 fastballs, but he was spot on, maxing out at 99.9 mph.

If today was Sandy Alcantara's swan song in front of the home crowd, then what way to go out on top

7.0 IP, 4 H, 1 R, 0 ER, 0 BB, 4 K, 0 HR, 98 NP#Marlins pic.twitter.com/weEKqTQprV

— Ricardo Urrusuno (@RickScores) July 23, 2025

Following today’s start, Sandy Alcantara’s trade value is at its peak. With 20 starts, he’s 5-9 with an ungodly 6.66 ERA, 77 strikeouts, and a 1.43 WHIP in 104 innings pitched. It’s been an uphill battle for him this year, but it will be interesting in the coming days to see what direction the Marlins pursue.

Hitting Does Just Enough

At the start of the game, Dylan Cease was off. Xavier Edwards took a four-pitch walk, and Jesus Sanchez battled him a bit but was able to take the free pass to first base as well. Then, with two away, Agustin Ramirez was able to add another RBI to his impressive 2025 campaign. The 23-year-old Dominican hit a sharp liner to knock in the game’s first run. He leads all National League rookies with 45 runs batted in.

Agustin Ramirez with another RBI in his rookie season

1-0 #Marlins pic.twitter.com/OjwGyijPv4

— Ricardo Urrusuno (@RickScores) July 23, 2025

On the offensive front, things got quiet. That is, until Jesus Sanchez stepped up to the plate in the fifth inning and belted a home run to right field. He had a bat speed of 106.1 MPH. Sanchez, who has also been the subject of trade rumors, is hitting .328 in July so far.

Jesus Sanchez hits his ninth homer of the season. Exit velo 106.1 MPH.#Marlins retake the lead, it's 3-1 pic.twitter.com/WTviBpf4ti

— Ricardo Urrusuno (@RickScores) July 23, 2025

The Marlins went just 1-for-6 with runners in scoring position while the Padres went 2-for-6. Miami had five hits while San Diego had seven. Sanchez’s two-run homer proved to be the difference maker in this game.

The Padres were able to score a run off of Josh Simpson in the 8th inning, but he still got the hold. Calvin Faucher came in the 9th inning and got the save, his ninth of the season.

What’s Next?

The Marlins have a day of rest tomorrow before going to Milwaukee to play the Brewers for a weekend series. Then, they will play in St. Louis against the Cardinals for another three-game series.

About Post Author

Ricardo Urrusuno

He’s a diehard 305 native who roots for his hometown teams in the good, the bad, and the ugly. Recently, he graduated from FIU with an MBA, but now he’s a Lemonhead covering UM basketball. Known to be anywhere and everywhere, you may catch him at a Miami sporting event.

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