Miami Marlins ace Sandy Alcantara became the franchise’s all-time strikeouts leader with his 1002nd career K in Tuesday’s game against the Texas Rangers at loanDepot Park. However, the milestone moment was met with awkwardness at the ballpark as the production team didn’t immediately show the achievement on the big screen.
Due to the delay, fans inside the ballpark were unaware of the milestone moment after Alcantara fanned Rangers catcher Kyle Higashioka, breaking Ricky Nolasco’s 1001 strikeout record. The nonchalant atmosphere inside the stadium surprised Alcantara, his Marlins teammates, support staff and the commentators.
Fans got up from their seats and applauded Alcantara only after his Marlins teammates urged them to do so. Marlins color commentator Tommy Hutton criticized the fans, even though many online criticized the production team for the delayed scoreboard update.
“See, the problem I have, most of the fans here tonight should know that without having to look at the scoreboard,” Hutton said during the broadcast.
Baseball fans on social media expressed dissatisfaction with the Marlins organization, especially their production team. They let their feelings known on X.
Alacantra pitched 5.2 innings in the game, giving up one run on five hits. He walked three Rangers sluggers and struck out four. Marlins won the game 6-4 and tied the series 1-1 before winning Game 3, 4-2, on Wednesday.
Alcantra’s next start will likely be against the Colorado Rockies on Monday. The Marlins have a three-game away series against the St. Louis Cardinals before they travel to Coors Field in Colorado.
Sandy Alcantara Reacts to Becoming Franchise Leader in Strikeouts
Sandy Alcantara joined the Miami Marlins in December 2017, arriving via trade from the St. Louis Cardinals. He spoke highly of his team after he became the franchise leader in strikeouts on Tuesday.
“Very proud of myself and the way that I’ve been growing here in this organization,”
Alcantara said postgame. “So grateful for all the opportunities that this team has given to me. Tonight was a great night for me, for my family, my teammates, the city, everybody who watched the game.”
When a reporter asked whether he had thought about this record upon his arrival in Miami, the former Cy Young replied in the negative. Alcantara also said he began playing baseball for fun in the Dominican Republic before realizing its financial benefits.
Alcantara’s five-year, $56 million contract with the team ends after the 2026 season. Marlins can enforce a $21 million club option for 2027, but the chances of it happening appear unlikely.
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