MIA 2, PHI 5; Sandy Alcantara, Marlins drop game one of doubleheader

Sandy Alcantara, up until this afternoon, had a perfect record when pitching at Citizens Bank Park (4-0) and a career ERA near one in Philadelphia. But it was a different story on a hot, humid Friday afternoon, a game in which the Marlins lost, 5-2 (F/7)—Alcantara was unable to get the critical out and it was pretty, pretty frustrating.

Dissect the opening frame as a perfect example: Alcantara, who managed to record two quick outs, gave up a double to Bryce Harper and back-to-back walks to Rhys Hoskins and Didi Gregorius, setting up Travis Jankowski with the bases loaded. Now, mind you: Jankowski is in his first year as a member of the Phillies, so most would think Alcantara would retire Jankowski. Well, think again. Coming off the bat at just 64.9 MPH according to Statcast, Jankowski cleared the bases with a double down the left-field line to give the Phillies a 3-0 lead, a lead that would sit with them comfortably.

Alcantara was replaced by Steven Okert after only three innings and 80 pitches. Those are his second-lowest totals of the season in both categories.

Veteran left-hander Matt Moore, previously facing the Marlins this past May, looked like the Matt Moore of old, punching out nine hitters in 4 ¹⁄₃ innings of work, but did give up doubles to Jazz Chisholm Jr., Jon Berti and Miguel Rojas during a two-run second for Don Mattingly’s bunch. Since the start of 2020, Rojas has batted .405 (47-for-116) against lefties.

Marlins’ Ross Detwiler, the veteran left-hander, will open game two of the doubleheader.

Baseball Savant