Runs may be hard to come by in this one as Jose Fernandez (12-6, 2.87 ERA) and the Miami Marlins (59-52) meet Johnny Cueto (13-3, 2.73 ERA) and the San Francisco Giants (63-48) in the first of a three-game series at Marlins Park. The game gets underway at 7:10 p.m. ET on Monday, Aug. 8 and will air on CSBA and FSFL.
In his most recent outing, Fernandez pitched 6.0 innings, giving up three runs, striking out eight and walking two in a 3-2 loss to the Cubs. Giancarlo Stanton (.242, 51 Rs, 24 HRs, 65 RBIs) went 1 for 4 yesterday with one run, one home run, and two RBIs. The Giants were unsuccessful against the Phillies 5-4 the last time Cueto pitched. He went 7.2 innings, allowing four runs, striking out 10 and walking one. Eduardo Nunez (.293, 52 Rs, 12 HRs, 49 RBIs, 28 SBs) went 1 for 3 yesterday.
Miami is a -147 favorite in this game and the Over/Under (O/U) is six runs. When playing as the favorite, the Marlins have a 28-25 record and overall money line at +325. Miami has averaged 5.4 runs per game over the last 10 games, higher than its season average of 4.2.
On the other side, the Giants have a record of 17-22 when they are the underdog and are +179 overall with the money line. The Giants average 3.6 walks per game, making them one of the most disciplined teams in the NL. San Francisco’s pitching staff and defense as a whole have been firing on all cylinders so far, ranking fifth in the NL with only 4.0 runs allowed per game. They have a WHIP of 1.217, fifth best in the MLB.
In their previous three games this season, the Giants have a 2-1 record. The Marlins will take on a right-hander (Cueto) in this game and have a 40-45 record against right-handed starting pitchers this season. Taking the hill against the Giants will be the right-hander Fernandez. They sport a 39-34 record against righties.
Predictions: SU Winner – SF, O/U – Over
Notes
When leading after seven innings, San Francisco is 22-17, while Miami is 25-24.
The Giants didn’t score any runs in their last game. The Marlins have a 7-0 record when they don’t allow any runs.
When they outhit their opponents, the Giants are 44-12. The Marlins have a 49-12 record when outhitting opponents.
Ranking 20th in runs, Miami has earned 478 this season. San Francisco ranks 14th with 496 runs.
Ranking 23rd, Miami is near the bottom of the league in walks, notching 315 this season. San Francisco ranks in the top five with 397.
When the Marlins hit at least one home run, they are 43-25, well-matched with the Giants who are 40-23 when hitting one or more homers.
