Marlins' Sandy Alcantara throws 2nd career 'Maddux' and MLB's 1st complete game of season

Miami ace dominates White Sox with 93-pitch shutout, extending scoreless streak to 15 innings

Apr. 1, 2026 at 10:34pm

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Miami Marlins pitcher Sandy Alcantara threw the first complete game of the 2026 MLB season, a 93-pitch shutout against the Chicago White Sox. It was Alcantara's second career 'Maddux' - a complete game shutout with fewer than 100 pitches - and his 13th career complete game. Alcantara used six different pitches to hold the White Sox scoreless and extend his scoreless streak to 15 innings to start the season.

Why it matters

Alcantara's dominant outing is an impressive start to the season for the 2022 NL Cy Young Award winner, who is looking to bounce back after a disappointing 2025 campaign. Complete games have become increasingly rare in MLB, with just 29 thrown last season and only 13 shutouts - the lowest in a non-shortened season since 1873.

The details

Alcantara scattered three singles, hit a batter, and struck out seven White Sox hitters. He used his changeup and four-seam fastball extensively, but also mixed in his slider, sweeper, sinker and cutter to keep the Chicago lineup off-balance. Marlins catcher Liam Hicks provided plenty of offensive support, homering, getting two singles, and driving in four runs.

  • Alcantara threw his first complete game shutout of the season on April 1, 2026.
  • Alcantara's previous 'Maddux' came in a prior season.

The players

Sandy Alcantara

The Miami Marlins' ace pitcher, who won the NL Cy Young Award in 2022 and is looking to bounce back after a disappointing 2025 season.

Liam Hicks

The Marlins' catcher, who provided offensive support for Alcantara with a home run, two singles, and four RBIs.

Clayton McCullough

The Marlins' manager, who allowed Alcantara to complete the game after the pitcher's efficient eighth inning.

Greg Maddux

The Hall of Fame pitcher whose name is used to describe complete games with fewer than 100 pitches.

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What they’re saying

“Many negative things happened last year but that didn't hold me back trying to be better. This year, I am going to give my best every time, win more games and be more aggressive in counts. Today, as a club, we did a tremendous job.”

— Sandy Alcantara, Marlins Pitcher

“It was fun. He had a lot of pitches working. When you're back there and he's rolling like that, it's cool to see. It makes your job catching easy.”

— Liam Hicks, Marlins Catcher

“It's hard to do that today, to go nine innings with how you view workload. Hitters are good. He was so efficient and guys played great behind him.”

— Clayton McCullough, Marlins Manager

What’s next

Alcantara will look to continue his strong start when he takes the mound again in his next scheduled start for the Marlins.

The takeaway

Alcantara's dominant complete game shutout is an encouraging sign for the Marlins' ace as he aims to bounce back from a disappointing 2025 season and recapture the form that earned him the NL Cy Young Award in 2022. His ability to efficiently navigate the White Sox lineup with a diverse arsenal of pitches showcases his elite talent and the Marlins' hope that he can lead them to the playoffs in 2026.