Miami Marlins: Sandy Alcantara keeping complete games alive

There is the belief that the complete game is dying out. Someone needs to let Miami Marlins pitcher Sandy Alcantara know that.

Alcantara was dominant as usual on Sunday. He allowed just one run on seven hits and a walk, striking out seven as he notched his fifth complete game of the season. It was just another day at the office for the Marlins’ ace.

Sandy Alcantara shows complete games alive and well for Miami Marlins

That complete game was notable for another reason. As mentioned by Bally Sports Miami: Marlins on Twitter, Alcantara’s fifth complete game is the most in a season since 2017. Ervin Santana and Corey Kluber each had five complete games that season, marking the last time that a pitcher had that many.

Alcantara has been a throwback to another era. The Marlins have five complete games this season, all of which have been fired by their ace. He has more complete games than every other team in the majors, with 16 teams failing to even have a single complete game this year.

That workload certainly has not hurt him thus far. He has posted a 13-8 record with a 2.37 ERA and a 1.011 WHiP in his major league leading 212.2 innings, striking out 188 batters with 49 walks. It is no wonder that, despite being on a team far outside the playoff hunt,  he will be one of the favorites for the NL Cy Young award.

If the Marlins are going to compete any time soon, Alcantara will be a key part of that. His ability to eat innings and keep Miami from going into a mediocre at best bullpen can make a difference. As he is locked in through 2027, he will be a key part of any contending team that the Marlins put together in the near future.

The complete game is a dying artform. For Miami Marlins pitcher Sandy Alcantara, a complete game is just a way of life.