Series Preview: New York Mets @ Miami Marlins April 29th to May 1st, Games 26-28

Apr 28, 2013; Miami, FL, USA; Miami Marlins right fielder Giancarlo Stanton (27) connects for a two run homer in the first inning against the Chicago Cubs at Marlins Park. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports

The Miami Marlins finally got a series against an opponent as lowly as them, unfortunately they were not able to take advantage of the Chicago Cubs in a four-game series at home. Although Giancarlo Stanton went deep three times in the series, the Marlins were only able to capture one of the four games.

The Marlins will get another shot at their first series victory of the season, this time against the New York Mets. The first game of the series will be must watch baseball, as the Mets and Marlins will each send out their best arms. Jose Fernandez against Matt Harvey is a matchup NL East and baseball fans will get to enjoy for a longtime.

Hopefully Monday is the start of what could be many terrific duels between the two for years to come.

New York Mets (10-13) @ Miami Marlins (6-19) , April 25-28, Games 26-28

NL East Standings

Interestingly, despite losing three of four, the Marlins actually gained half a game on the Atlanta Braves and the deficit for the division is no longer in double digits. #minorvictories!

Stadium: Marlins Park

Five-year Run PF*: N/A
Five-year HR PF*: N/A
Stadium Dimensions:
Left field line—340 ft.
Left-center field—384 ft.
Center field—416 ft.
Right-center field—392 ft.
Right field line—335 ft.

*Five-year regressed park factors provided by Patriot here

2013 Season Statistics

Apr 23, 2013; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Miami Marlins starting pitcher Jose Fernandez (16) delivers a pitch in the first inning against the Minnesota Twins at Target Field. Mandatory Credit: Jesse Johnson-USA TODAY Sports

Apr 24, 2013; New York, NY, USA; New York Mets starting pitcher Matt Harvey (33) throws a pitch against the Los Angeles Dodgers during the sixth inning of a MLB game at Citi Field. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports

Monday, April 29- Matt Harvey vs. Jose Fernandez:

Matt Harvey will be making his first career start against the Marlins Monday. The Marlins missed Harvey by just one game in New York, but will get a chance to see the dominant right hander for the first time. Harvey has a sparkling 1.54 ERA and an equally impressive 2.37 FIP early on. Harvey has struck out 39 hitters in his 35 innings of work and walked just 10. He had his worst start of the season last time out, Harvey gave up three runs on four hits while striking out seven over six innings against the Dodgers on Wednesday. The Giancarlo Stanton-Matt Harvey will be a good one as well.

Fernandez’s first career start came against these Mets on April 7th. Fernandez struck out a Marlins record eight hitters in his MLB debut. He has not looked as strong in his previous two outings, allowing nine earned runs in nine innings. His command has not been as sharp as it was in his first two starts, as he has only struck out six and walked five. Jose’s last start came in near-freezing temperature and he has shown a good demeanor early on, so it will be interesting to see if he can bounce back against the team he dominated in his first career start.

Tuesday, April 30- Jeremy Hefner vs. Kevin Slowey:

Apr 25, 2013; Miami, FL, USA; Miami Marlins starting pitcher Kevin Slowey (45) throws in the first inning against the Chicago Cubs at Marlins Park. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports

Apr 18, 2013; Denver, CO, USA; New York Mets pitcher Jeremy Hefner (53) reacts after giving up a home run during the eighth inning against the Colorado Rockies at Coors Field. The Rockies won 11-3. Mandatory Credit: Chris Humphreys-USA TODAY Sports

Although Hefner has struggled early on, he is coming off of a strong start against the Dodgers. He lasted seven innings allowing just three hits, striking out four hitters and walking three. The key for Hefner was limiting the longball, as he had allowed at least one in each start and seven on the season. Hefner does not get a lot of groundball outs, so the hope is that with Giancarlo heating up, he could drive one or two off of Hefner into the seats. Jeremy pitched well against the Marlins earlier this season, lasting six innings and allowing just one run on five hits.

Slowey continues to defy expectations set forward for him. Despite having his worst start of the season, Slowey was strong in a no-decision Thursday against the Cubs, allowing three runs over six innings of work. Kevin allowed only five hits and walked none while striking out six. Slowey continues to be the Marlins most consistent starter early on. David Wright if 2-for-3 with a home run off of Slowey.

Wednesday, May 1- Dillon Gee vs. Wade LeBlanc:

Dillon Gee gets the ball in the finale for the Mets. Gee, like Hefnery has struggled in 2013. He has completed six innings and allowed fewer than three earned runs just once in five starts this season. In his last start, Gee allowed four runs on seven hits, walking one and striking out four over six

Apr 26, 2013; New York, NY, USA; New York Mets starting pitcher Dillon Gee (35) pitches against the Philadelphia Phillies during the fifth inning of a MLB game at Citi Field. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports

innings to the Phillies. Stanton if 1-for-5 in his career off of Gee, but his one hit was a home run.

Apr 26, 2013; Miami, FL, USA; Miami Marlins starting pitcher Wade LeBlanc (23) throws in the first inning against the Chicago Cubs at Marlins Park. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports

LeBlanc did not pitch too bad in his last start, as all the damage off of him was done on two home runs by Cubs first baseman Anthony Rizzo. Wade ended up allowing four earned runs on eight hits in six innings. Despite LeBlanc’s struggles, he has a vote of confidence from his manager Mike Redmond. Red recently said that LeBlanc would not be moved to the bullpen when Henderson Alvarez returns from his stint on the DL.

Bold Prediction: The Marlins take two of three from the Mets, winning their first series of the season. Giancarlo adds to his three home run homestand by hitting three more out of the park for the Fish. The Fernandez-Harvey matchup will become all that it has been hyped up to be.

Upcoming Schedule:

May 2-5: @ Philadelphia Phillies

May 6-8: @ San Diego Padres

May 10-12: @ Los Angeles Dodgers