Marlins Extend Series Streak, Look Toward the Road

The Marlins continued their success during the recent brief, 2-game series against the Texas Rangers by splitting the games. Surely Miami is disappointed that they didn’t take both games against the cellar-dwelling Rangers, but the split marks the 4th consecutive series that they have not lost.

These series’ include tilts against the Rangers, Diamondbacks, Cardinals, and Reds, not exactly world-beaters. Still the Marlins are doing a better job of not playing down to the competition as of late.

With the exception of the Cincinnati series, the streak has coincided with a home stand. The true test lays ahead for the Fish as they leave today to embark on 9-game road trip that include the likes of the American League leading Los Angeles Angels and the always difficult Atlanta Braves. Even the upcoming road series against the Colorado Rockies isn’t as easy as it seems since Colorado is a .500 club at home.

If Miami is series about these playoff hopes, they will need to achieve a winning road trip. That means taking at least 2 of these 3 series, certainly a tough task.

Fortunately Miami has been playing well in close games (6-2 in their last 8 one-run games) and their pitching has been able to keep runs to a minimum.

With the Washington Nationals extending their winning streak to 9 games and holding a 9.5 game lead over the Fish in the N.L. East, the dream of a Division title is all but gone, but with the addition of the second Wild Card spot, they are a mere 4 games out of the playoffs.

I am just grateful that Miami is playing meaningful games in August. That is something that Fish fans haven’t had for some time. While Miami may be a little too young to make the playoffs this year, at least we can agree that they are headed in the right direction.