David Phelps (7-6, 2.28 ERA) starts for the Miami Marlins (66-61) as they square off against Jarred Cosart (0-1, 4.54 ERA) and the San Diego Padres (53-74) in the first of a three-game series at Marlins Park. Action begins at 7:10 p.m. ET on Friday, Aug. 26 and can be seen on FSFL and FSSD.
Phelps pitched 6.0 innings in his last outing, surrendering zero runs, striking out nine and walking two in a 3-1 win over the Pirates. Giancarlo Stanton (.244, 52 Rs, 25 HRs, 70 RBIs) continued his strong play yesterday, going 3 for 5 with one run, one home run, and three RBIs. Cosart went 5.2 innings, surrendering one run, striking out seven and walking two in a 7-4 win over the Diamondbacks in his most recent start. Wil Myers (.266, 81 Rs, 23 HRs, 73 RBIs, 22 SBs) went 1 for 4 Wednesday with one RBI.
This one isn’t expected to be close when Miami, a big -182 favorite, takes on San Diego. The matchup has an estimated Over/Under (O/U) of eight runs. The Marlins have an overall money line of +314 and a record as the favorite of 31-30. Miami’s pitching staff has been doing better against opposing offenses during the last 10 games, only allowing an average of 3.0 runs per game, well under their season average of 4.1. The Marlins are the fourth-best team in the NL at limiting hits to their opponents, allowing only 8.3 hits per game so far this season. Opponents have consistently been struck out by the Marlins, who rank fourth in the NL in strikeouts per game with 8.6.
Over in the other dugout, San Diego is coming in with an overall money line of -325 and a disappointing record of 39-67 as the underdog. They played poorly as the underdog over their last 10 games with a 1-7 record and a 3-7 record SU. The Padres are an excellent base stealing team with 106 stolen bases, ranking third in the MLB.
The Marlins lead the season series, 2-1. The Marlins have a 45-52 record against right-handed starting pitchers on the year, which is what they’ll be facing when Cosart takes the mound. Phelps (RHP) will be on the hill against the Padres, who have a 38-56 record against right-handed starting pitchers.
Predictions: SU Winner – MIA, O/U – Over
Notes
San Diego has won 43% (23-30) of its games when leading after seven innings. However, Miami has won 49% (28-29) of its games when taking a late lead.
The Padres are coming into this game after allowing no walks during their last outing. The Marlins have a 5-6 record when opponents don’t give up any walks.
When they outhit their opponents, the Marlins are 54-15. The Padres have a 39-9 record when outhitting opponents.
Ranking 21st, Miami is near the bottom of the league in runs, scoring 533 this season. San Diego ranks in the bottom half at 20th with 551.
Ranking 24th, Miami is near the bottom of the league in walks, notching 357 this season. San Diego ranks in the bottom half at 20th with 365.
The Marlins are 47-30 in games where they hit one or more home runs. The Padres are 44-37 when they hit at least one homer.
