Marlins Hold Off Diamondbacks 4-3 as Sandy Alcantara Earns First Career Save

Miami Turns to Its Ace in the Ninth to Secure a Crucial Victory

The Miami Marlins held off the Arizona Diamondbacks 4-3 on Wednesday night, with Jakob Marsee providing the key offensive spark and Sandy Alcantara closing out the game for the first save of his major league career.

With the Marlins sitting on the fringe of the National League playoff race, manager Clayton McCullough made the bold decision to call on his ace starter in the ninth inning. Alcantara had thrown 101 pitches in a no-decision against Arizona just two days earlier, but McCullough entrusted him with protecting Miami’s one-run lead.

Alcantara delivered. The right-hander recorded two deep flyouts before issuing a walk to Lars Nootbaar. Arizona then attempted to create a scoring opportunity when pinch-runner Jordan Lawlar took off for second base, but catcher Joe Mack threw him out to end the game and preserve the Marlins’ victory. The win moved Miami to 76-77 with nine games remaining in the regular season.

Marsee, Hernández Lead Miami Offense

Marsee gave the Marlins an early boost, doubling to begin Miami’s two-run second inning befor eventually loaded the bases. Heriberto Hernández followed with an infield single to drive in a run, and another Miami run scored when Diamondbacks third baseman Nolan Arenado committed a throwing error.

Marsee added to the lead in the third inning, connecting on his 11th home run of the season against Arizona starter Merrill Kelly. The two-run blast came with Javier Sanoja aboard and gave Miami a four-run advantage. Hernández finished with four of Miami’s 10 hits, while Marsee continued to provide important production at the top of the lineup.

Diamondbacks Rally Behind Three Home Runs

Arizona mounted a comeback behind home runs from Pavin Smith, Gabriel Moreno and Arenado, but the Diamondbacks could not complete the rally.

Moreno had three hits, raising his batting average to .307. Philadelphia’s Luis Arraez entered the night leading the National League with a .316 average. The Diamondbacks fell to 80-73 and are now 3 1/2 games behind the San Diego Padres for the final National League wild-card position with only nine games remaining.

Alcantara Makes History in Relief

Alcantara’s appearance was particularly notable given his workload this season. He leads the majors with 206 innings pitched and had made 201 career starts before Wednesday.

The appearance marked his first career save. Alcantara’s only previous relief appearances came during his rookie season with St. Louis in 2017, when he made eight appearances out of the bullpen. McCullough’s decision to use Alcantara in the ninth ultimately paid off as Miami secured a much-needed victory in its pursuit of a postseason spot.

Kelly Makes 200th Career Start

Kelly was making his 200th major league start but lasted only 4 2/3 innings. He allowed seven hits and four runs, three of them earned, while walking two and striking out nine. Ryne Nelson, recently activated from the 60-day injured list, followed with 1 1/3 scoreless innings in his first appearance since June 15.

Nelson had been sidelined with a strained right elbow. For Miami, starter Ryan Gusto also failed to make it through the fifth inning. He allowed eight hits and two runs before Cade Gibson recorded five outs ğkand earned the victory, improving to 5-1 on the season.

Marlins, Diamondbacks Look Ahead

The Marlins will have Thursday off before beginning a three-game series against the San Diego Padres on Friday. Right-hander Tyler Phillips, 5-6 with a 3.55 ERA, is scheduled to start for Miami.

The Diamondbacks will return home Friday to begin a three-game series against the New York Yankees at Chase Field, with Arizona continuing its push for the final National League wild-card spot.