Sandy Alcantara was setting up for another incredible complete-game win for the Marlins, until they got in his way.

In his first start of the 2026 campaign, Sandy Alcantara pitched seven innings for the Miami Marlins without giving up an earned run. Last week, he went the distance against the Chicago White Sox in a shutout with just 93 pitches. Alcantara earned the right to go for it again on Tuesday night in a similar position. However, his manager felt otherwise.

After recording the first out of the ninth inning, Alcantara surrendered a double and a walk to the Cincinnati Reds. It was then that his manager, Clayton McCullough, pulled him from the game. The score was 2-0, and Alcantara was at 95 pitches.

The bullpen proceeded to collapse and let those two runners score to tie the game. They then gave up four more in the 10th inning to eventually lose the game 6-3. Alcantara deserved better than that, but he handled the aftermath like a pro.

Sandy Alcantara “Deserved” Opportunity to Finish the Game, but Respects Decision.

There is no guarantee Sandy Alcantara would have been able to escape the mess he created during the top of the ninth inning. However, given his track record, he definitely should have been allowed to do so. He felt the same way after the game.

Story continues below.

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As Marlins beat writer Isaac Azout lays out above, when asked about the decision to remove him from the game, Alcantara said, “I feel like I deserve to be asked how I feel before getting taken out of the game, at 95 pitches and a righty on deck, but I respect the decision.”

Alcantara’s final line for the game was 8.1 innings pitched, two runs, three hits, and six strikeouts. He did not earn a decision, but recorded a quality start.

The Marlins have started 2026 as hot as anyone in the MLB, surprising many. Alcantara is a huge part of that success and will continue to be. That is, so long as they let him be.