Miami Marlins @ Tampa Bay Rays Game Preview: Tuesday, May 28th 7:10 PM EST (Game 52)

May 27, 2013; St. Petersburg, FL, USA; Tampa Bay Rays relief pitcher Fernando Rodney (56) and catcher Jose Molina (28) congratulate each other after they beat the Miami Marlins at Tropicana Field. Tampa Bay Rays defeated the Miami Marlins 10-6. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports

Jose Fernandez‘s return to the Tampa area did not go as planned. The young 20-year old had his roughest outing of his young career. Fernandez allowed seven runs (four earned) in just 3 2/3 innings of work. He struck out six hitters, but also struggled with command, allowing three walks and hitting a batter.

All in all, it was a disappointing start for one of the lone bright spots on the 2013 Marlins. Fernandez would not admit  to be pitching in front of all his friends and family:

“I wasn’t nervous. I was a little pumped up. I was trying to do a little too much, maybe, and it didn’t come out right,” Fernandez said. “I was trying to make good pitches. I tried to give the team a chance to win, and it didn’t happen.”

I would expect Fernandez to bounce back in his next start and deliver a better start.

As for the Marlins, the question if they can avoid being one of the worst, if not the worst, teams in baseball history is still to be answered. They will try to bounce back and even the series with Kevin Slowey on the mound. Jeremy Hellickson will try to extend the Marlins losing streak to seven for the Rays.

Probable Starters

May 17, 2013; Miami, FL, USA; Miami Marlins starting pitcher Kevin Slowey (45) heads back to the dugout during the third inning against the Arizona Diamondbacks at Marlins Park. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports

May 27, 2013; St. Petersburg, FL, USA; Tampa Bay Rays pitcher Jeremy Hellickson (58) in the dugout against the Miami Marlins at Tropicana Field. Tampa Bay Rays defeated the Miami Marlins 10-6. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports

Marlins Lineup

Bold Prediction: The Marlins finally end their five game drought and even the four game series with their in-state rivals. Kevin Slowey bounces back from a rough patch and gives the Marlins six solid innings in route to a win. Steve Cishek picks up a huge confidence building save. Marlins win 4-3.