Marlins Ace Calls Out Fans for Poor Attendance

Sandy Alcantara dominates on the mound but laments empty seats at home opener.

Apr. 2, 2026 at 3:45am

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The Miami Marlins are off to a 5-1 start in the 2026 MLB season, with ace pitcher Sandy Alcantara throwing a shutout gem against the Chicago White Sox. However, Alcantara expressed frustration with the lack of fans in attendance at loanDepot Park, saying it had been a long time since he had thrown a complete game in front of such a sparse crowd.

Why it matters

The Marlins have struggled with attendance issues for years, despite fielding competitive teams. Alcantara's comments highlight the ongoing challenge of engaging fans and filling seats, even when the team is playing well on the field.

The details

In the Marlins' 10-0 win over the White Sox, Alcantara struck out seven batters and allowed only three hits over 93 pitches. The 2022 NL Cy Young winner said the complete game performance was "so special" for him, but lamented the lack of fans in the stands to witness it.

  • The Marlins beat the Chicago White Sox on Wednesday, April 2, 2026.
  • Alcantara is the reigning 2022 NL Cy Young Award winner.

The players

Sandy Alcantara

The ace pitcher for the Miami Marlins, who won the NL Cy Young Award in 2022.

Miami Marlins

The professional baseball team based in Miami, Florida, that plays in the National League.

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What they’re saying

“It's been a long time without throwing a complete game, but this one is so special for me.”

— Sandy Alcantara, Marlins Pitcher

The takeaway

Alcantara's frustration with the poor attendance at the Marlins' home opener highlights the ongoing challenge the team faces in engaging its fanbase, despite fielding a competitive team. The Marlins will need to find ways to attract more fans to the ballpark and create a more vibrant gameday atmosphere if they hope to build momentum and support for the team.