Miami Marlins @ Philadelphia Phillies Game Preview: Sunday, May 5th 2:35 PM EST (Game 32)

Apr 25, 2013; Miami, FL, USA; Chicago Cubs right fielder Nate Schierholtz (left) rounds the bases after hitting a solo home run against Miami Marlins starting pitcher Kevin Slowey (right) during the sixth inning at Marlins Park. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports

The Miami Marlins will look to bounce back and even their four-game series with the Philadelphia Phillies on Sunday afternoon. They will do so with their most consistent pitcher taking the mound. Slowey has the 10th best ERA (2.15) in the National League, but has received just a measly average run support of 1.33 in his first six starts. While Slowey’s 3.14 FIP suggests that regression should be on it’s way, it still has been a joy watching Slowey early on.

The Phillies will counter with their struggling ace, Roy Halladay. The Doc looked like he had turned his season around when he made three straight strong starts, including shutting the Marlins down. In his April 14th start against the Marlins, Halladay allowed one run on five hits over eight innings, but only struck out two Marlins. In his last start, Halladay gave up eight earned runs on nine hits and two walks while striking out three in 3.2 innings to the Cleveland Indians.

Slowey will try to continue his hot start while Halladay tries to find his groove.

Pitching Matchup:

IP	ERA	FIP	Marlins	Date	Phillies	IP	ERA	FIP
37.2	2.15	3.14	Slowey	May 5	Halladay	32.0	6.75	5.72

Projected Lineup

Lineup	Player	AVG.	OBP.	SLG %
1	Juan Pierre	.217	.259	.24
2	Chris Valaika	.250	.286	.404
3	Placido Polanco	.257	.316	.295
4	Justin Ruggiano	.223	.286	.398
5	Marcell Ozuna	.389	.421	.667
6	Greg Dobbs	.237	.308	.301
7	Miguel Olivo	.171	.209	.341
8	Adeiny Hechavarria	.169	.222	.288

Chris Valiaka gets his second consecutive start at second base with Donovan Solano still nursing a sore left side. Valaika hit a solo home run and made two fantastic plays at second base on Saturday night for the Fish. Marcell Ozuna will try to make it back-to-back games with a home run.

Juan Pierre returns to the lineup after getting a day with a left hander on the mound. The Marlins hope a day off can get Pierre re-energized and he can start hitting again.

Bold Prediction: Slowey and Halladay em-battle in a pitchers duel, with Slowey getting the better of the Doc. Marcell Ozuna will drive in two runs for the Fish as Pierre steals bases 601 and 602 in a Marlins victory to split the series with their NL East foes. Marlins win 4-3.

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