San Diego Padres @ Miami Marlins Game Preview: Monday, July 1st 7:10 PM EST (Game 81)

The Miami Marlins finished the month of June off in dramatic fashion, as Jeff Mathis hit a walk-off home run (the 3,000th in Marlins franchise history) in the bottom of the ninth inning. The walk-off helped the Marlins finish the month of June with a 15-10 record. Those 15 wins are one more than they had in April and May combined and also more than they have had the last two June’s combined.

Jose Fernandez will start the finale of the four game series with a shot to give the Marlins their third straight series win. Despite lacking the usual zip on his fastball last time out, Fernandez was able to limit the Twins to one run on four hits, as he struck out and walked three a piece.

Don’t let Marquis’ 9-3 record and 3.99 ERA fool you, as he is having a terrible season, according to his peripherals. Marquis has walked 53 hitters and struck out just 62 in his 94+ innings of work. His FIP of 5.75 is more telling of his pitching in 2013. The Marlins certainly hope to catch the wild Marquis Monday night.

Probable Starters

June 25, 2013; San Diego, CA, USA; San Diego Padres starting pitcher Jason Marquis (21) throws during the second inning against the Philadelphia Phillies at Petco Park. Mandatory Credit: Christopher Hanewinckel-USA TODAY Sports

Jun. 19, 2013; Phoenix, AZ, USA: Miami Marlins pitcher Jose Fernandez throws in the first inning against the Arizona Diamondbacks at Chase Field. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

Marlins Lineup

Bold Prediction: The Marlins start off the month of July like they ended June, with a win. Jose Fernandez will fire eight shutout innings and Marcell Ozuna and Giancarlo Stanton will each go deep. Marlins win 8-2!