Marlins’ Sandy Alcantara expresses frustration with decision to be removed in 9th inning

Fox News Flash top sports headlines are here. Check out what's clicking on FoxNews.com.

Miami Marlins ace Sandy Alcantara was red-hot on the mound against the Cincinnati Reds and was angling to become the first pitcher to throw back-to-back shutouts in over a decade.

He took a 2-0 lead into the ninth inning when the Reds’ bats started to jump on him. He was removed from the game with one out and after Matt McLain doubled and an Elly De La Cruz walk. Reliever Anthony Bender was unable to keep the Reds at bay and Cincinnati tied the game.

CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON FOXNEWS.COM

Miami Marlins starting pitcher Sandy Alcantara pitches against the Cincinnati Reds in the first inning at loanDepot Park in Miami, Fla., on April 7, 2026. (Rhona Wise/Imagn Images)

Cincinnati would score four runs in the 10th inning and hang on for the 6-3 win.

Alcantara was credited with the two earned runs after McLain and De La Cruz scored. He only allowed three hits and struck out six. But he didn’t like manager Clayton McCullough’s decision to remove him from the game.

"So I think I deserve to be asked how I feel before taking me out of the game (at) 95 pitches and (with a) righty on deck," Alcantara said, via MLB.com. "But it is what it is. Just got to get ready for my next outing. Get back tomorrow and fight the same way that we did today."

Cincinnati Reds' Elly de la Cruz reacts after scoring on a wild pitch by Miami Marlins relief pitcher Anthony Bender during the ninth inning of a baseball game in Miami on April 7, 2026. (Lynne Sladky/AP)

YANKEES' GIANCARLO STANTON STEALS FIRST BASE SINCE 2020 IN TEAM'S WIN OVER MARLINS

McCullough suggested he was playing the percentages as the Reds’ lineup was coming through to face