Jose Fernandez (13-7, 2.91 ERA), attemping to pick up his 200th strikeout of the season, takes the hill for the Miami Marlins (67-63) as they square off against Rafael Montero (0-0, 11.57 ERA) and the New York Mets (66-64) in the first of a four-game series at Citi Field. Action begins at 7:10 p.m. ET on Monday, Aug. 29 and can be seen on SNY and FSFL.
Montero pitched 1.0 inning in his last outing, surrendering one run, striking out two and walking one in an 11-1 win over the Phillies. Yoenis Cespedes (.295, 55 Rs, 26 HRs, 67 RBIs, 2 SBs) went 1 for 2 yesterday with two runs, one home run, and three RBIs. Fernandez went 7.0 innings, surrendering zero runs, striking out nine and walking two in a 3-0 win over the Royals in his most recent start. Giancarlo Stanton (.244, 52 Rs, 25 HRs, 70 RBIs) has been successful at the plate for the Marlins, going 3 for 5 yesterday with one run, one home run, and three RBIs.
The odds for New York and Miami are even, while the Over/Under (O/U) is currently not available. Within its division, New York has a record of 25-25 SU. The Mets have seen an uptick in scoring as of late, averaging 5.9 runs during the last 10 games compared to their season average of 3.9 runs per game. Crossing over to the pitching and defensive side, it’s been a struggle for opposing teams to score runs against the Mets. The 3.9 runs that New York’s pitchers allow per game makes them the third-ranked staff in the NL. The Mets are the top team in the NL at limiting walks to their opponents, allowing only 2.6 walks per game so far this season.
The Marlins are 22-28 against teams in their division. Offensively, the Marlins have really sputtered in the last 10 games. They have decreased their season average of 4.2 runs per game by averaging 2.9 during that stretch. The Marlins allow 4.1 runs per game, but have improved upon those numbers in the past 10 games, allowing 2.9 runs per game during that span. When it comes to preventing batters from getting hits, the Marlins are fourth in the NL with an average of 8.3 hits allowed per game.
The Mets lead the season series, 7-5. The Mets have a 49-46 record against right-handed starting pitchers on the year, which is what they’ll be facing when Fernandez takes the mound. Montero (RHP) will be on the hill against the Marlins, who have a 46-54 record against right-handed starting pitchers.
Predictions: SU Winner – NYM
Notes
When leading after seven innings, Miami is 29-29, while New York is 24-26.
Having scored one run in their last game, the Marlins are going to have to step it up if they want to win this matchup. The Mets have a 25-2 record in games where opponents scored one run or less.
When they outhit their opponents, the Marlins are 55-16. The Mets have a 45-11 record when outhitting opponents.
Both falling near the bottom of the league based on total runs this season, New York ranks 28th with 509 runs and Miami is 22nd with 541.
Ranking 24th, Miami is near the bottom of the league in walks, notching 367 this season. New York ranks in the top half with 394.
When the Mets hit at least one home run, they are 57-34, well-matched with the Marlins who are 47-30 when hitting one or more homers.
