MIAMI _ While Marlins starter Sandy Alcantara has flashed loads of potential since returning from the disabled list, the rookie showed he still has some work to do before becoming a front-line starter.
After stellar back-to-back outings, the 23-year-old struggled with his command from the get go Monday night, allowing 12 of the first 21 National batters to reach base as Miami fell, 4-2, in the finale of the two-game series.
Alcantara lasted just four innings, allowing three earned runs on six hits and six walks. The rookie, whose fastball hovered between 95-96 mph, threw 91 pitches in defeat. For Alcantara, it marked his first loss of the season after starting 2-0.
Acquired from St. Louis this offseason in the Marcell Ozuna trade, Alcanatra entered the year as the team's No. 2 overall prospect, per MLB Pipeline. After winning his debut start on June 29, he spent the next two months recovering from an armpit infection.
He returned to the rotation on Sept. 5 and allowed just two earned runs over 14 innings in his previous two starts.
On Monday night, Alcantara ran into trouble early. After allowing three of the first four Nationals to reach base, he escaped the inning unharmed. The ensuing inning, however, Washington tagged the rookie for two runs on RBI base hits from Adam Eaton and Trea Turner.
Miami was able to plate one in the bottom half of the frame as Peter O'Brien belted a solo homer to left field. It was the former University of Miami star's third home run since being called up on Sept. 4. O'Brien finished the night 2-for-2 with two walks.
The 28-year-old has been hitting the ball well his past four games, going 4-for-8 with two home runs, three RBIs and three walks.
JT Realmuto drove in the Marlins' other run on the night, finishing 2-for-4.
