Series Preview: Miami Marlins @ Los Angeles Dodgers May 10-12, Games 36-38

May 8, 2013; Los Angeles, CA, USA; (Editors note: Multiple exposure photo) Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Clayton Kershaw (22) throws against the Arizona Diamondbacks at Dodger Stadium. The Diamondbacks defeated the Dodgers 3-2. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

The Miami Marlins, losers of three straight, head to Los Angeles to take on the Dodgers, losers of seven straight. Something will have to give on Friday night, as one of these teams will move away from their putrid starts for the evening and pick up a much needed win.

Miami Marlins (10-25) @ Los Angeles Dodgers (13-20)  May 10-12, Games 36-38

NL East Standings

Stadium: Dodger Stadium

May 7, 2013; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers fans in attendance watch game action during the fifth inning against the Arizona Diamondbacks at Dodger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports

Stadium Dimensions:
Left field line—330 ft.
Left-center field—385 ft.
Center field—395 ft.
Right-center field—385 ft.
Right field line—330 ft.

2013 Season Statistics

Friday May 10th- Jose Fernandez vs Matt Magill:

Fernandez enjoyed the best start of his young career last time out there against the Phillies. Jose tossed a career high seven innings and struck out a career high nine hitters. He limited the Phillies to just one hit and a walk. Fernandez was so dominant he retired 17 straight Philly hitters at one point. Our newest writer Daniel had a great breakdown of Fernandez’s last start using Pitch F/X.

After a dominant first start, Magill struggled last time he took the mound against the San Francisco Giants. After going 6 2/3 innings and allowing just two earned runs against the Milwuakee Brewers. However last time out against the Giants, Magill allowed five earned runs on six hits and walked four hitters in just 1 1/3 innings of work. The Dodgers, struggling with injuries like the Marlins, decided to give Magill another start against the Marlins.

Saturday, May 11th- Kevin Slowey vs Hyun-Jin Ryu:

The best signing of the 2013 offseason might just belong to the Miami Marlins. Slowey has been absolutely tremendous in his first seven starts with the Fish. Kevin has an impressive 1.81 ERA and an 2.91 FIP. Slowey fired seven shutout innings against the Phillies, limiting their offense to just two hits. Slowey was finally able to pick up his first victory since 2010.

Ryu was yet another expensive signing for Magic Johnson and company since buying the Dodgers. Ryu was signed out of China and collected a 6-year $36 million contract with the men in blue. He has been impressive for the Dodgers early on, pitching to an 3.71 ERA and a 2.79 FIP, pitching at least six innings in each of his seven starts. Last time out, Ryu pitched six innings and gave up four earned runs on eight hits while striking out two and walking two.

Sunday, May 12th- Wade LeBlanc vs Chris Capuano:

LeBlanc continues to struggle in the Marlins rotation in 2013. LeBlanc’s ERA now sits at 6.11 and his FIP at 4.95. LeBlanc pitched six innings just twice this season and has allowed six or more hits in five of his seven starts. The longball has also killed LeBlanc, as he has allowed five in his previous four outings. LeBlanc gave up four runs (three earned) over five inning in Monday’s loss.

Capuano has not been any better than LeBlanc in 2013. Cap’s ERA sits at an abysmal 10.38, with his 6.32 FIP equally unimpressive. He has only started two games this season, with his first two appearances coming out of the pen. Capuano’s last start was his first coming off of the disabled list with a calf injury. He did not fare well, as he got shelled by the Diamondbacks on Monday, allowing six runs (five earned) over four innings. He left his only other start after two-plus innings due to a left calf

Bold Prediction: The Marlins catch the Dodgers at the right time and behind the continued strong pitching by Fernandez and Slowey, take two of three in Hollywood. The Marlins end up dropping the finale of the series in a slugfest between the two worst offenses in baseball.