Miami Marlins top the Atlanta Braves 5-3 on June 23, 2025, as Kyle Stowers' homer and a Sandy Alcántara quality start end a long series losing streak.
StatPro MLB Beat Reporter
For the first time since September 2023, the Miami Marlins can say they've won a series against the Atlanta Braves. In a season filled with tough losses, Sunday's 5-3 victory at loanDepot park felt like more than just a single win; it was a cathartic triumph. Powered by a slump-shattering home run from breakout star Kyle Stowers and a gritty quality start from Sandy Alcántara, the Marlins showed the kind of fight and execution fans have been desperate to see.
After 31 long games without one, Kyle Stowers is back in the home run column and on pace for 32 this season.
The collective sigh of relief was audible when Kyle Stowers connected for a game-tying solo shot in the second inning. It was his first home run since May 14, ending a frustrating 31-game power outage. The blast, his 11th of the season, was a stark reminder of why he's emerged as the team's lone bright spot and a near-lock for the All-Star Game. Stowers' emergence as an everyday power threat has been crucial for a struggling offense, and with the slump officially busted, he's back on pace for over 30 homers.
While Stowers provided the spark, Sandy Alcántara provided the backbone. It hasn't been an easy 2025 for the former Cy Young winner, but Sunday marked his third quality start in June. After navigating some early trouble, Sandy settled in to retire eight straight Braves at one point, finishing with six strong innings, allowing three runs on 95 pitches. His record improved to a still-modest 3-8, but the performance itself is what matters. A confident, effective Alcántara changes the entire complexion of this team, and his recent form is the most encouraging sign of a potential second-half turnaround.
This wasn't a one-man show. The Marlins manufactured runs with timely, situational hitting. Otto Lopez was a key contributor, driving in two runs with a pair of crucial RBI singles. Jesús Sánchez added a triple and scored a run, while Dane Myers and Xavier Edwards chipped in with RBI singles of their own. It was a complete offensive effort that saw the lineup string together hits and apply pressure, something that has been missing for long stretches this season. This kind of balanced attack is exactly what the Marlins need to support their pitching.
Let's be clear: one series win doesn't erase the team's struggles or fix the underlying issues, like a farm system that remains ranked in the lower tier of MLB. However, it provides a massive morale boost. Beating a division rival like the Braves, a team that has had their number for nearly two years, is a significant mental hurdle to clear. For a team trying to climb out of the NL East cellar, this victory serves as proof of concept—that when the key players perform, they can compete with anyone. It's a building block.
So, what's next? The challenge is to turn this moment into momentum. Can Sandy build on his June success? Can Stowers go on a home run tear? Can the offense continue to deliver in the clutch? The road ahead is long, but for the first time in a while, there's a tangible reason for optimism. Sunday's win wasn't just a number in the standings; it was a statement. Now, the Marlins have to prove they can back it up.
