Marlins' Bullpen Blows Lead, Costs Alcantara Chance at Complete Game

Miami's decision to pull its ace in the 9th inning proved costly as the Reds rallied for a 6-3 win in 10 innings.

Apr. 8, 2026 at 2:06am

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A fragmented, geometric painting in muted earth tones with pops of bright color, capturing the motion of a baseball pitcher and the chaotic energy of a late-inning bullpen implosion.A fractured, cubist depiction of a pitcher's motion and the chaos of a late-inning bullpen collapse, reflecting the Marlins' costly decision to pull their ace in a close game.Today in Miami

The Miami Marlins were leading the Cincinnati Reds 2-0 in the 9th inning on Tuesday night, with ace pitcher Sandy Alcantara having thrown fewer than 100 pitches and looking dominant. However, the Marlins opted to pull Alcantara and go to the bullpen, which promptly blew the lead. The Reds went on to win 6-3 in 10 innings, leaving Alcantara and the Marlins ruing the decision to not let their star pitcher finish the game.

Why it matters

Alcantara is the Marlins' ace and a former Cy Young winner, and he was pitching exceptionally well on this night. Pulling him from a 2-0 game in the 9th inning, with the bullpen struggling, was a highly questionable decision that ultimately cost Miami the game. This type of move can have lasting impacts on a team's season and its relationship with its star player.

The details

With two runners on base and the Marlins up 2-0 in the 9th inning, Marlins manager Don Mattingly opted to pull Alcantara and bring in Anthony Bender to close out the game. Bender promptly blew the save, allowing the Reds to tie it and eventually win 6-3 in 10 innings. Alcantara had thrown just 98 pitches and was clearly the Marlins' best option to finish the game, but the team decided to go to the bullpen instead.

  • The Marlins were leading the Reds 2-0 in the 9th inning on Tuesday, April 7, 2026.

The players

Sandy Alcantara

The Marlins' ace pitcher and former Cy Young award winner, who was dominant on the mound before being pulled in the 9th inning.

Don Mattingly

The Marlins' manager, who made the decision to pull Alcantara in the 9th inning despite his strong performance.

Anthony Bender

The Marlins' reliever who came in to close the game in the 9th inning but blew the save, allowing the Reds to tie it and eventually win.

Pete Fairbanks

The Marlins' usual closer who was away from the team for the birth of a child, leaving Bender to take the 9th inning save opportunity.

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What they’re saying

“Alcantara wasn't just the fun choice to try to finish the game. He was the best choice. The Marlins didn't have any arm like his out in the bullpen.”

— Billy Heyen, Author

What’s next

The Marlins will look to bounce back in their next game against the Reds on Wednesday, April 8th, 2026.

The takeaway

This decision by the Marlins' manager to pull their ace pitcher in a close game late highlights the importance of trusting your best players to finish the job, especially when the bullpen is struggling. It's a mistake that could haunt the Marlins if it ends up costing them a crucial game or even a playoff spot down the line.