Marlins beat Braves 6-2 on June 22, 2025, as Sandy Alcantara dominates and Agustín Ramírez homers. See how the ace's return sparked the much-needed win.
StatPro MLB Beat Reporter
Finally, a reason to breathe easy at loanDepot park. The Miami Marlins put an end to their frustrating losing streak Sunday, dispatching the rival Atlanta Braves 6-2 in a game that felt like a throwback. The formula was simple and one we've been desperately missing: a vintage performance from the ace on the mound and a massive, game-changing home run from the team's breakout star.
That’s the Sandy we know—attacking the zone and trusting his stuff.
The biggest story of the day, without a doubt, was the man on the hill. Sandy Alcantara, after a season of struggles, looked every bit the Cy Young winner we remember. He was efficient, overpowering, and in complete command for seven masterful innings. He allowed just two runs while striking out eight Braves and walking only one. While his 4-8 record and 6.55 ERA on the season tell a story of inconsistency, this performance was a powerful statement that the old Sandy is still in there. It was a desperately needed anchor for a rotation that has been adrift.
While Sandy was dealing, the offense was powered by the kid behind the plate. Rookie catcher Agustín Ramírez continues to build an undeniable case for National League Rookie of the Year. With the Marlins clinging to a slim lead, Ramírez stepped up in the 5th inning and blasted a three-run homer, his team-leading 12th of the season. The shot broke the game open and provided the cushion Alcantara needed. Every time Ramírez comes to the plate, you can feel the energy in the ballpark shift. He's not just a good rookie; he's become the heart of this lineup.
After the game, Manager Clayton McCullough praised the team's resilience, noting, 'Tonight was a great example of what we’re capable of when we play clean baseball and get timely hitting.' That sentiment feels especially relevant when looking at the bigger picture. This win, sparked by a homegrown rookie, comes on the heels of news that the Marlins' farm system has skyrocketed 13 spots in MLB's latest rankings. With 19 new prospects in the team's Top 30, the success of players like Ramírez feels less like an anomaly and more like the first wave of a much-needed talent infusion. The future might be arriving sooner than we thought.
One win doesn't erase a 31-45 record, but this is the kind of game that reminds you what's possible. The challenge now is to build on it. Can Sandy stack another quality start? Can the offense provide consistent support? With the trade deadline looming and a farm system brimming with new talent, the next few weeks will be critical in shaping the future of this ballclub. For one night, though, fans can celebrate a dominant ace and a slugging rookie who gave them a glimpse of a brighter tomorrow.
