In the first of a three-game series between the Miami Marlins (59-81) and the Washington Nationals (71-68) at Marlins Park, Jarred Cosart (1-4, 5.04 ERA) and Gio Gonzalez (10-7, 3.96 ERA) get the ball. The game gets underway at 7:10 p.m. ET on Friday, Sep. 11 and will air on FSFL and MAS2.
In his most recent outing, Cosart pitched 4.2 innings, allowing one run, striking out three and walking one in a 4-3 loss to the Mets. The Nationals were victorious over the Braves 8-2 the last time Gonzalez pitched. He went 6.0 innings, giving up zero runs, striking out 10 and walking four. Bryce Harper (.336, 104 Rs, 36 HRs, 85 RBIs, 6 SBs) has been doing well offensively for the Nationals, going 3 for 4 Wednesday with three runs, two home runs, and two RBIs.
Oddsmakers have deemed this game an even matchup and the Over/Under (O/U) is presently unavailable. Against teams in the NL East, the Marlins have an SU record of 23-34. The Marlins are a dangerous hitting team with 337 extra base hits, one of the highest totals in the MLB. They have been a terror on the base paths, ranking fourth in all of baseball with 102 steals.
Against divisional opponents, the Nationals are 33-24 SU. Washington has been playing better lately, averaging 6.5 runs per game, more than their season average of 4.4. Washington has an eye for the strike zone on the road, ranking 3.2 in the NL with third walks per game. Playing against NL East foes really brings the best out of the Washington pitchers. They allow 3.5 runs per game against teams within their division, which is lower than their season average of 4.1. They also allow just 2.2 walks per game, good for tops in the NL.
The Marlins will take on a left-hander (Gonzalez) in this game and have a 12-17 record against left-handed starting pitchers this season. Taking the hill against the Nationals will be the right-hander Cosart. They sport a 53-52 record against righties.
Predictions: SU Winner – Was
Notes
When leading after 7 innings, Washington is 34-31, while Miami is 28-42.
The Nationals are coming into this game after allowing one walk during their last outing. The Marlins have a 19-39 record when opponents give up that many walks or fewer.
When they are outhit, the Nationals are 11-57. The Marlins have a 12-53 record when opponents outhit them.
Ranking 29th in home runs, Miami has hit 103 this season. Washington ranks 10th with 151 home runs.
Miami and Washington both rank in the top 10 of the league in hits. Miami sits at sixth with 8.63 hits per game and Washington ranks 10th with 8.53.
Ranking 29th, Miami is near the bottom of the league for its on-base plus slugging percentage (.687). Washington ranks in the top 10 at 10th with an OPS of .733.
The Nationals are 30-43 in games where they allow one or more home runs. The Marlins are 27-52 when they allow at least one homer.
