Marlins Edge Diamondbacks 4-3 as Alcantara Notches First Career Save
PHOENIX — Jakob Marsee delivered a two-run home run and Sandy Alcantara recorded his first career save as the Miami Marlins held off the Arizona Diamondbacks 4-3 Wednesday night at Chase Field.
Alcantara Shines in Unfamiliar Relief Role
With the Marlins (76-77) lingering on the fringe of the National League playoff race, manager Clayton McCullough turned to his ace starter for the ninth inning — just two days after Alcantara threw 101 pitches in a no-decision against the same Diamondbacks lineup. Alcantara, who leads the majors with 206 innings pitched this season, induced two deep flyouts before walking Lars Nootbaar. Pinch-runner Jordan Lawlar attempted to steal second but was thrown out by catcher Joe Mack to end the game.
The save marked Alcantara’s first relief appearance since his rookie season with St. Louis in 2017. The right-hander has made 201 big league starts in his career.
Playoff Implications for Arizona
The loss dropped the Diamondbacks (80-73) 3 1/2 games behind San Diego for the final NL wild-card spot with nine games remaining.
Marsee Powers Miami Offense
Marsee connected for his 11th homer of the season in the third inning against Merrill Kelly (9-14) with Javier Sanoja aboard. The outfielder also doubled to spark a two-run second inning. Miami eventually loaded the bases, and Heriberto Hernández drove in a run with an infield single. Another run scored on a throwing error by third baseman Nolan Arenado.
Hernández finished with four of Miami’s 10 hits.
Diamondbacks Power Surge Not Enough
Arizona got home runs from Pavin Smith, Gabriel Moreno and Arenado. Moreno collected three hits to raise his batting average to .307; the Phillies’ Luis Arraez leads the National League at .316.
Kelly Reaches Milestone in Tough Outing
Kelly, making his 200th major league start, lasted 4 2/3 innings. He allowed seven hits and four runs (three earned) with two walks and nine strikeouts.
Nelson Returns from Injured List
Ryne Nelson, just activated from the 60-day injured list, pitched 1 1/3 scoreless innings in his first appearance since June 15. He had been sidelined with a strained right elbow.
Marlins Bullpen Bridges the Gap
Marlins starter Ryan Gusto also failed to escape the fifth inning, allowing eight hits and two runs. Cade Gibson (5-1) recorded five outs for the win.
Upcoming Schedule
Marlins: Following a day off, RHP Tyler Phillips (5-6, 3.55 ERA) starts Friday in San Diego.
Diamondbacks: Begin a three-game series Friday against the New York Yankees at Chase Field.
