Tom Koehler (2-4, 4.71 ERA) and Jake Odorizzi (1-2, 3.81 ERA) start in the second of a two-game series between the Miami Marlins (23-21) and the Tampa Bay Rays (20-22) at Marlins Park. The Marlins won the last game 7-6, and Miami leads the series 1-0. Action begins at 12:10 p.m. ET on Tuesday, May. 24 and can be seen on FSFL.
Koehler pitched 7.0 innings in his most recent start, surrendering three runs (one unearned), striking out four and walking five in a 4-2 defeat to the Phillies. Marcell Ozuna (.321, 28 Rs, 9 HRs, 23 RBIs) continued his strong play yesterday, going 3 for 4 with two runs, one home run, and one RBI. Odorizzi went 5.0 innings, surrendering two runs, striking out two and walking four in a 6-3 win over the Blue Jays in his last outing. Brandon Guyer (.327, 19 Rs, 5 HRs, 13 RBIs, 1 SB) has been successful at the plate, going 3 for 5 yesterday with three runs, one home run, and one RBI.
The odds for Miami and Tampa Bay are even, while the Over/Under (O/U) is currently not available. In interleague play, the Marlins have a 19-20 record SU. The Marlins have seen an uptick in scoring as of late, averaging 0.0 runs during the last 10 games compared to their season average of 0.0 runs per game. Miami’s pitching staff has been doing better against opposing offenses during the last 10 games, only allowing an average of 0.0 runs per game, well under their season average of 0.0.
Tampa Bay is 22-19 SU against National League opponents. Offensively, they average five runs per game on the road, which is fourth in the AL. The Rays can change the game with one swing of the bat, leading the league with 65 home runs. Tampa Bay is excellent at making contact with just 9.2 strikeouts per game, ranking fourth in the AL. The Rays allow 0.0 runs per game, but have improved upon those numbers in the past 10 games, allowing 0.0 runs per game during that span.
The Marlins have the edge in the season series, 1-0.
Predictions: SU Winner – TB
Notes
Miami has won 44% (8-10) of its games when leading after seven innings. However, Tampa Bay has won 47% (8-9) of its games when taking a late lead.
The Rays are coming off of a weak pitching game where they recorded five strikeouts. The Marlins have a record of 5-3 when opponents’ pitchers have five strikeouts or less.
When they outhit their opponents, the Rays are 14-4. The Marlins have an 18-4 record when outhitting opponents.
Ranking 23rd, Miami is near the bottom of the league in runs, scoring 175 this season. Tampa Bay ranks in the bottom half at 20th with 180.
Ranking 21st, Tampa Bay is near the bottom of the league in walks, notching 125 this season. Miami ranks in the bottom half at 18th with 130.
When the Marlins hit at least one home run, they are 19-10. When the Rays hit at least one homer, they have an 18-16 record.
