NYY 1, MIA 3; Sandy Alcantara, Marlins ‘pen make quick work of Yankees to extend spring winning streak

The Marlins made the most of their opportunity in front of a national television audience, defeating the Yankees in a hyper-quick game on Wednesday afternoon in Jupiter, 3-1. Garrett Cooper and Stephen Tarpley—both acquired from the Yanks by Miami via trade—both contributed.

MLB fans on Twitter were treated to a “game before the game” when the official Yankees team account posted a starting lineup graphic featuring the old, pre-2019 Marlins logo. Though seemingly unintentional, the official Marlins account pounced on the error:

Then hinted at it again in their own lineup announcement.

• Deivi García: 3.1 IP, 3 H, 3 ER, 1 BB, 3 K (48 pitches)
• Sandy Alcantara: 5.0 IP, 3 H, 1 ER, 2 BB, 4 K (67 pitches)

Both teams leaned heavily on backups and prospects. Combining that with the wind blowing in from right field and the fact that the Fish allowed Sandy Alcantara to hit for himself (forfeiting the DH spot), the contest was predictably low scoring.

Wearing a live microphone for the first two innings, second baseman Isan Díaz fielded questions about his veteran teammates, his epic MLB debut and more. He seemed totally comfortable with it! Maybe too comfortable, actually:

Aside from that, Díaz had a quiet game (0-for-3, 1 K), dropping to a .339 OPS in Spring Training. Speaking pregame to Craig Mish about the 23-year-old, manager Don Mattingly was supportive yet non-committal about his place on the Opening Day 26-man roster.

Díaz then handed the mic over to veteran leader Miguel Rojas, who reminded everybody why the Marlins value his intangibles so much:

Starting at shortstop in Rojas’ place, non-roster invitee Sean Rodríguez began the scoring in the bottom of the second inning with a two-out, two-run single through the left side.

Meanwhile, Alcantara impressed over his five frames, topping out at 99 miles per hour with his sinker. The only scare came in the top of the fourth when he loaded the bases for Tyler Wade, whose long fly ball to right was knocked down by the wind to preserve the lead.

Olympic speedskater turned infielder Eddy Alvarez added an insurance run in the bottom of the inning with an RBI double.

Brandon Kintzler, Stephen Tarpley, Aaron Northcraft and Alex Vesia pitched one scoreless inning apiece in relief of Alcantara.

A few more miscellaneous updates from Marlins camp:

• RHP Brad Boxberger is “close to a lock” to make the team, Craig Mish reports. As an NRI, there will need to be a corresponding move to squeeze the reliever onto the 40-man roster.
• C Jorge Alfaro (oblique tightness) caught a Pablo López bullpen session and took batting practice on the backfields, according to Alex Carver of Fish On The Farm.

The Marlins (12-5) play again at Roger Dean Chevrolet Stadium on Thursday at 1:05 p.m. as the nominal road team against the Cardinals (9-9). Probable starters are José Ureña and Adam Wainwright.

Yankees vs. Marlins box score (Baseball Theater)