In the last of a three-game series between the Miami Marlins (58-81) and the Milwaukee Brewers (61-77) at Marlins Park, Tom Koehler (8-13, 4.08 ERA) and Ariel Pena (1-0, 6.00 ERA) get the start. The Marlins won the last game 6-4 and the series is currently tied 1-1. The game starts at 7:10 p.m. ET on Wednesday, Sep. 9 and will air on FSFL and FSWI.
In his most recent outing, Koehler pitched 6.0 innings, giving up two runs, striking out four and walking five in a 6-5 loss to the Mets. Justin Bour (.258, 32 Rs, 16 HRs, 53 RBIs) went 1 for 3 yesterday with two RBIs. The Brewers were victorious over the Reds 7-3 the last time Pena pitched. He went 3.0 innings, allowing two runs, striking out two and walking one. Ryan Braun (.288, 83 Rs, 25 HRs, 81 RBIs, 22 SBs) has been doing well offensively for the Brewers, going 3 for 5 yesterday with one run.
Miami, a -131 favorite, will look to capitalize at home against Milwaukee. The Over/Under (O/U) for the matchup is set at eight runs. The Marlins are 23-28 as the favorite and have an overall money line of -1,950. The Marlins are a dangerous hitting team with 334 extra base hits, one of the highest totals in the MLB. The Marlins are a nightmare for opponents on the bases with 101 steals, one of the highest totals in baseball.
On the other side, the Brewers have a record of 35-48 when they are the underdog and are -1,409 overall with the money line. Over the past 10 matchups, they are 8-2 SU and have an unblemished 6-0 record when they were an underdog to win. Milwaukee has been playing better lately, averaging 6.6 runs per game, more than their season average of 4.2. The Brewers average just 7.6 strikeouts per game, one of the lowest marks in the NL.
The Marlins are 3-2 against the Brewers this season. The Marlins will take on a right-hander (Pena) in this game and have a 45-64 record against right-handed starting pitchers this season. Taking the hill against the Brewers will be the right-hander Koehler. They sport a 42-62 record against righties.
Predictions: SU Winner – Mia, O/U – Over
Notes
The Marlins managed to give up five walks in their last game. They’ll have to pick it up against the Brewers who are coming in with a 15-4 record against opponents who give up that many walks or more.
When they are outhit, the Brewers are 10-59. The Marlins have a 12-53 record when opponents outhit them.
Miami ranks near the bottom of the league at 29th when it comes to home runs, hitting 103 this season. Milwaukee ranks in the bottom half at 20th with 126.
Miami and Milwaukee both rank in the top 10 of the league in hits. Miami sits at seventh with 8.64 hits per game and Milwaukee ranks eighth with 8.63.
Ranking 29th, Miami is near the bottom of the league for its on-base plus slugging percentage (.687). Milwaukee ranks in the bottom half at 19th with an OPS of .716.
The Brewers are 34-55 when they allow at least one home run. The Marlins perform similarly when they allow one or more homers with a 27-52 record.
