Marlins links, 9/25/18: Alcántara struggles in loss, Marlins Park sets an attendance record, remembering JDF

Back-to-back bad outings for Alcántara

The Washington Nationals have Sandy Alcantara’s number. In his last two starts against them, Sandy has given up nine runs over eight innings. He again struggled with command on Monday night, issuing five walks and allowing six runs over four innings.

The Marlins‘ top pitching prospect has had moments of dominance, but its been accompanied by growing pains like his start yesterday.

Stephen Strasburg also seemed bothered by the inclement weather, uncharacteristically walking four batters. Although the Marlins were able to add a couple of more runs throughout the game, it would not be enough as the Marlins lost 7-3.

Record low attendance

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As was to be expected, the Marlins were last in home attendance in 2018. It was historically bad. Under the watch of Derek Jeter and Bruce Sherman, the Marlins drew their lowest number of fans in franchise history (811,104). It makes them the first team since the 2004 Montreal Expos to fall shortly of one million—the Expos drew 749,550 in their last year before moving to Washington D.C.

Context is important, though:

While some fans have bought into the new process and the culture, there’s clearly still a distrust and lack of enthusiasm among the locals. Many will not show up until the team starts winning.

Remembering José Fernández

Today marks the two-year anniversary of José Fernández’s tragic death. His death shook the baseball and Cuban community to the core. José distinguished himself as a gifted pitcher and electric personality, writes our own Colby Olson.

Swings and Mishes of the Five Reasons Sports Network released a new podcast episode featuring Scott Boras. José’s former agent gives Craig Mish an exclusive insight into how he handled the tragic news and predicted how far José could've gone in his career.

Miami Marlins fans, baseball fans, and the rest of South Florida mourn this loss. Here’s some additional José Fernández social media reaction:

The Marlins are aiming to bounce back

Jeff Brigham will be on the mound for the Marlins tonight as they continue their series with the Nationals. Brigham, who its coming off his best start as a major leauger, is still searching for his first win. In his last outing, he struck out six batters over his career-high five innings.

The Marlins will be facing Max Scherzer, who’s contending for his third straight NL Cy Young Award.

First pitch is set for 7:05p.m.