The Miami Marlins held off the Chicago Cubs 3-2 on Wednesday, September 23, 2026, at Wrigley Field, with Kyle Stowers delivering the decisive blow — a two-run home run — and Sandy Alcantara recording the final out to seal the one-run victory. The win required nine full innings and a steady bullpen effort down the stretch, with Cade Gibson earning the win and Alcantara locking it down in the ninth. For Miami, it was a complete team effort on both sides of the ball that made the difference in a tight game.

Kyle Stowers Powers Miami With Two-Run Home Run

Stowers was Miami's offensive engine on the night. The outfielder went 1-for-4 at the plate, but that one hit was all that mattered — a two-run blast that gave the Marlins the lead they would never relinquish. His two RBI accounted for Miami's go-ahead margin and proved to be the difference in the ballgame.

Griffin Conine and Javier Sanoja each added two-hit performances, going a combined 4-for-8 to keep Chicago's pitching staff working throughout the night. Neither collected an RBI, but their consistent contact kept rallies alive and put pressure on Cubs pitching.

Ryan Gusto Battles Through Five-Plus Innings

Miami starter Ryan Gusto gave the Marlins a serviceable outing, working 5.1 innings and striking out five while allowing two earned runs on six hits and two walks. He kept the Marlins in the game but needed help when he exited with runners on base in the sixth.

Michael Petersen came on in relief and handled the situation cleanly, striking out two batters in 0.2 innings without allowing a run. Cade Gibson then took over and delivered a dominant one-inning stint — two strikeouts, no hits, no runs — earning the win in the process. Calvin Faucher added a clean inning of his own before Alcantara closed things out in the ninth, allowing one hit but no runs to preserve the victory.

Cubs Bullpen Cracks in the Eighth

Chicago starter Kevin Gausman was sharp for 5.2 innings, striking out seven and allowing just two earned runs on six hits, but the Cubs' bullpen could not hold the line. Ryan Rolison entered in a key spot and allowed two hits and one earned run in just 0.2 innings — that damage proved to be the turning point. Jacob Webb steadied things somewhat with 1.1 innings of one-run ball, and Colin Rea finished cleanly, but the run Rolison surrendered handed Rolison the loss and ultimately handed Miami the game.

Michael Busch was the lone Cubs offensive bright spot in the box score highlights, going 2-for-4, but Chicago could not generate enough support to overcome the deficit.

Key Performances at a Glance

  • Kyle Stowers (MIA): 1-for-4, 1 HR, 2 RBI
  • Griffin Conine (MIA): 2-for-4
  • Javier Sanoja (MIA): 2-for-4
  • Cade Gibson (MIA): 1.0 IP, 2 K, 0 ER — Win
  • Sandy Alcantara (MIA): 1.0 IP, 0 ER — Save
  • Ryan Gusto (MIA): 5.1 IP, 5 K, 2 ER
  • Kevin Gausman (CHC): 5.2 IP, 7 K, 2 ER
  • Ryan Rolison (CHC): 0.2 IP, 1 ER — Loss
  • Michael Busch (CHC): 2-for-4

What's Next for Miami

The Marlins remain on the road following this win. Keep it locked to Marlins Daily for continued coverage of Miami's 2026 regular season schedule as September winds down.