MIL 2, MIA 1: Fish Fall in Extras to Brew Crew

A day after having their four game winning streak snapped on Saturday, the Marlins turned to their ace, Sandy Alcantara, to get them back on track in this closing series matchup against the Milwaukee Brewers.

The 25-year old would do just that, delivering 7 innings of 1-run ball, striking out 6 and lowering his season ERA to 2.72. The only damage against Alcantara would come on a Dan Vogelbach solo home run in the 4th inning. Alcantara has now allowed 2 runs or less in 6 of his 8 starts to begin the season.

“He had to battle today. That wasn’t one of those was easy ones for Sandy...Still his stuff was really good,” said manager Don Mattingly.

Working around traffic on the bases today by way of two walks and five scattered hits, Alcantara’s 7 innings today now give him an MLB-leading 49.2 through 8 starts, averaging out to just over 6 per outing. In 2 outings this years against Milwaukee, the Marlins’ Opening Day starter has allowed just 3 runs over 14 innings pitched.

Veteran sinker baller Brett Anderson started for Milwaukee, going 3 scoreless innings in his first outing since coming off the injured list.

The Marlins were held scoreless until a 7th inning home run off the bat of Lewis Brinson, his second of the season and one which tied the score, taking the possibility of a loss to be saddled on Alcantara away.

For Brinson, the home run would highlight a three-hit day, raising his season average from .196 to .240. While batting average is not always seen as the best barometer to measure total hitter performance, in Brinson’s case, it is important to note that the former Brewer has never finished a season hitting above .226.

Ultimately, though, Miami would falter late, dropping the series finale 2-1 in 10 innings. The go-ahead run for Milwaukee would come when right fielder Tyrone Taylor singled off of Anthony Bass, who would be saddled with the loss. Bass’s three losses now lead the pitching staff among starters and relievers this season. Miami now fall to 2-8 in 1 run games this year.

With a short slate of MLB games scheduled for Monday, Miami will travel to Arizona where they will begin a three-game set against a familiar foe in the Arizona Diamondbacks.

In their recent meeting with the Snakes from May 4-6, Miami swept the series where they outscored them 20-4.

Per manager Don Mattingly, Monday’s game is slated to be a bullpen day, one previously executed by the team against Arizona. The Diamondbacks will counter with Luke Weaver, himself coming off an outing where the Marlins touched him for 6 runs over 4 innings.

Baseball Savant

Fish Picks Answer Key

1. Under
2. No
3. No
4. Yes
5. Brewers