Full Breakdown
Marlins Count on Sandy Alcantara Against Mets
9/9/2026, 4:16:11 AM
Recent Performance and Wild-Card Stakes
The Miami Marlins sit just above the .500 mark at 72-73 and have dropped four of their last five games while chasing a wild-card berth. Their home record remains strong at 43-30, with victories in 28 of the previous 43 games in Miami. The New York Mets, meanwhile, sit 32-38 on the road but have been buoyed by rookie outfielders A.J. Ewing and Carson Benge, each approaching the franchise rookie stolen-base record set by Mookie Wilson in 1981.
Key Pitchers and Their Track Records
- Sandy Alcantara – Right-hander, 13-9 record, 3.54 ERA overall; 7-5 with a 2.82 ERA in 19 career starts against the Mets. Miami is 16-14 when he starts this season, though he has lost each of his last five outings. He has pitched at least six innings in each of those starts and last earned a win on Aug. 8, a 7-0 shutout of the Angels.
- Sean Manaea – Left-hander, 4-7 record, 4.70 ERA overall; 2-3 with a 4.73 ERA in seven career games versus Miami. He reclaimed a starting role on June 13 and has posted a 4.54 ERA since that date, after earlier relief work produced a 5.02 ERA.
- A.J. Ewing – Rookie center fielder, 3-for-5 with three RBIs in the series opener, now on a four-game hit streak (7-for-15).
- Carson Benge – Rookie right fielder, 144 hits this season; 12 more would eclipse Pete Alonso’s franchise rookie-hit record.
Official Statements & Responses
Mets rookie **A.J.
Verbatim Quotes
- “I feel comfortable in the box right now,” — J. Ewing — A.J. Ewing, rookie center fielder, New York Mets
Outlook for Tuesday’s Game
The Marlins will rely on Alcantara’s durability and past success against New York to halt their slide, while the Mets will counter with veteran Manaea, the sole experienced starter on a bullpen that has posted a 3.01 ERA since the trade deadline. Both clubs aim to swing momentum in a series that could shape the final wild-card picture.
