In the second of a two-game series between the Tampa Bay Rays (21-23) and the Miami Marlins (24-22) at Tropicana Field, Drew Smyly (2-5, 3.54 ERA) and Jose Fernandez (6-2, 3.02 ERA) get the start. The Marlins won the last game 4-3, and Miami leads the series 1-0. The game starts at 1:10 p.m. ET on Thursday, May. 26 and will air on FSFL and SUN.
In his most recent outing, Smyly pitched 6.1 innings, allowing three runs, striking out five and walking two in a 5-4 loss to the Tigers. Steve Pearce (.301, 17 Rs, 7 HRs, 19 RBIs) went 1 for 4 yesterday with one run. The Marlins were victorious over the Nationals 3-2 the last time Fernandez pitched. He went 6.0 innings, giving up one run, striking out nine and walking one. Marcell Ozuna (.331, 30 Rs, 9 HRs, 25 RBIs) has been hitting the ball well for the Marlins, going 2 for 4 yesterday with two RBIs.
The odds are even for this game and the Over/Under (O/U) is currently unavailable. The Rays have a 22-19 record SU against the National League. Tampa Bay has averaged 0.0 runs per game over the last 10 games, higher than its season average of 0.0. The Rays lead the majors in home runs with 66. Don’t expect the Tampa Bay hitters to swing wildly. They average only 9.3 strikeouts per game. Tampa Bay’s pitching staff has put it all together in the past 10 games. Its average runs allowed per game dropped to 0.0 during that span, compared to its 0.0 season average.
When playing Interleague opponents, the Marlins have a 19-20 record SU. During the last 10 games, they averaged 0.0 runs per game, above their 0.0 season average. The last 10 games have really brought the best out of the Miami pitchers. They’ve allowed 0.0 runs per game during that span, which is lower than their season average of 0.0.
In their previous three games this season, the Marlins have a 2-1 record.
Predictions: SU Winner – TB
Notes
Tampa Bay recorded at least two errors for the seventh time this season.
The Rays are coming into this game after allowing two walks during their last outing. The Marlins have a 9-13 record when opponents give up two walks or less.
When they are outhit, the Rays are 3-17. The Marlins have a 4-15 record when opponents outhit them.
Tampa Bay ranks at the top of the league when it comes to home runs this season with 66. Miami ranks near the bottom at 22nd with 42.
Ranking 20th, Tampa Bay is in the bottom half of the league in hits, notching 8.05 per game. Miami ranks in the top five at fourth with 9.41.
Ranking 11th, Tampa Bay is in the top half of the league for its on-base plus slugging percentage (.746). Miami ranks in the top 10 with an OPS of .754.
When the Marlins allow at least one home run, they are 11-10. When the Rays allow one or more homers, they have a 9-21 record.
