Alcantara not sharp in Game 1 loss to Phils

July 16th, 2021

PHILADELPHIA -- The Marlins went into Friday's seven-inning doubleheader against the Phillies fully planning to rely on a bullpen game to navigate the nightcap. They were not, however, expecting their relievers to be getting loose in the 'pen during the first inning of Game 1 at Citizens Bank Park.

Sandy Alcantara ultimately escaped the opening frame, but only after throwing 34 pitches and allowing three runs en route to a 5-2 loss

Alcantara promptly retired the first two batters he faced before allowing a two-out double to Bryce Harper. He then walked back-to-back hitters to load the bases. Phillies center fielder Travis Jankowski followed with a slow roller that he managed to sneak down the right-field line to clear the bases. The hit had an exit velocity of just 64.9 mph and a .070 expected batting average, according to Statcast.

Alcantara seemed to get on track in the second inning, striking out the side on only 12 pitches -- but he followed it up with another 34-pitch frame in the third.

After the right-hander retired the first two batters of the inning, a two-out error by Jazz Chisholm Jr. opened the door for Philadelphia. Alcantara followed by walking the next batter, uncorking a wild pitch and allowing consecutive RBI singles to negate the pair of runs that Miami had scored in the top of the second on doubles by Chisholm, Jon Berti and Miguel Rojas. 

Friday's outing marked the third time in his last four starts that Alcantara was tagged for five runs, though it’s worth noting that he's allowed at least one unearned run in each of those four games.