On April 7, 2026, Miami Marlins ace Sandy Alcantara was pulled two outs from a historic shutout at loanDepot park, a decision that immediately unraveled into a 6-3 loss against the Cincinnati Reds. The 2022 Cy Young winner had dominated for eight innings and sat at just 95 pitches, chasing the first back-to-back shutouts in 11 years. Manager Clayton McCullough turned to reliever Anthony Bender, whose wild pitch erased the lead within minutes. The call stunned fans, sparked boos, and shifted focus from a comeback performance to a defining managerial gamble.
Dominance Built Pitch By Pitch
Alcantara’s outing began with near perfection. He retired the Reds in order through four innings, including a six-pitch first inning, and carried a perfect game early into the night. Across innings 5 to 8, he allowed only scattered baserunners while keeping hitters off balance with six different pitch types. His changeup produced six whiffs and four strikeouts, while his fastball consistently landed for first-pitch strikes. By the ninth inning, he had allowed no extra-base hits and faced minimal resistance. The tension quietly built toward a rare milestone.
Two Outs From Ending An 11-Year Wait
Entering the ninth inning, Alcantara needed just three outs to become the first pitcher since June 30, 2015 to throw back-to-back shutouts. He quickly recorded the first out on two pitches, reaching 85 pitches total. Then came a shift. Matt McLain lined a soft double at 79.7 mph, the first extra-base hit Alcantara allowed all season. He followed by walking Elly De La Cruz on five pitches, four missing badly. With runners on and 95 pitches, a decision loomed. The dugout was already moving.
“Best Person” Call Backfires Immediately
Manager Clayton McCullough made his move before reaching the mound. “Even before he crossed the line, he pointed to the bullpen,” Alcantara said. Anthony Bender entered despite recent struggles and quickly lost control. He allowed a double steal, then gave up a sacrifice fly to cut the lead. Moments later, a wild pitch tied the game 2-2. McCullough later said, “(Anthony) Bender was the best person to win the game for us.” What followed only deepened scrutiny across the ballpark.
From Masterpiece To Loss In Two Innings
The collapse extended into the 10th inning when Calvin Faucher allowed four more runs, sealing a 6-3 Reds victory. Cincinnati had scored zero runs through eight innings before erupting for six in the final two. Miami dropped to 6-5, while the Reds improved to 8-3 and 5-0 on the road. Alcantara finished with a 0.74 ERA across 24⅓ innings but received no decision. “It is what it is. Just got to get ready for my next outing,” he said. The missed milestone may never return.
Sources:
Marlins forfeit lead after removing Sandy Alcantara in ninth inning. MLB.com, April 08, 2026
Sandy Alcantara taken out in midst of second consecutive complete game shutout, Marlins fall. Fish On First, April 08, 2026
Fill-in Montgomery now part of Seattle history. MLB.com, June 30, 2015
Reds rally late to beat Miami, extend winning streak to five games. RedLeg Nation, April 07, 2026
Sandy Alcantara questions Marlins’ decision to end his bid for back-to-back shutouts in 9th inning. Yahoo Sports, April 07, 2026
