MIAMI _ After getting a sneak peak of Sandy Alcantara in June, there was plenty of buzz Wednesday night as the Marlins No. 2 overall prospect returned to the mound.
In his MLB debut on June 29, the 22-year-old right-hander was solid, allowing one earned run in five innings against the Mets. Miami was deprived of an immediate follow-up as he was sent to the disabled list four days later with an armpit infection.
On Wednesday night, Alcantara was back in the rotation _ and showed why he proves to be a pivotal part of the Marlins' future. Against the Phillies, he pitched seven scoreless innings, helping Miami top Philadelphia, 2-1, to take the three-game set.
Alcantara allowed three hits, two walks and two hit-by-pitches, while striking out six in seven scoreless. His fastball velocity, which was down in earlier rehab starts, was strong on Wednesday, hovering around 96-97 mph and topping out at 99.
Acquired by the Marlins in December as part of the Marcell Ozuna trade, Alcantara previously pitched in Triple-A New Orleans, going 6-3 with a 3.89 ERA.
Drew Steckenrider pitched a scoreless ninth to pick up his fourth save of the season.
Rookie outfielder Austin Dean drove in the Marlins' two runs on the night. In the second inning, he delivered an RBI groundout, scoring Derek Dietrich. Two innings later, Dean was at it again, driving in Dietrich on an RBI single to center.
Lewis Brinson put together his third multi-hit game since returning from the DL on Saturday. The rookie center fielder went 2-for-3 on the night, extending his hitting streak to seven games. Brinson, who attended Coral Springs High School, is 8-for-18 in September.
