Miami Marlins @ St. Louis Cardinals Game Preview: Sunday, July 7 2:10 PM EST (Game 87)

After a badly missed call at the plate and a late game defensive blunder, the Miami Marlins are in position to get swept by the St. Louis Cardinals. The team has returned to earth a bit after a strong June and needs to win this one to avoid a three game sweep.

Jose Fernandez will be tasked with the “stopper” role he has played so well in 2013. He is coming off of his second 10-strikeout performance (first being against the Cards), in which he allowed just two hits over 8 shutout innings. The Cardinals will counter with Lance Lynn, who owns a 9.00 ERA in his career against the Fish.

Probable Starters

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

2013 stats
16/16Games/Games Started17/16
92.2Innings Pitched105.2
2.72Earned Run Averages (ERA)3.75
3.02Fielding Independent Pitching (FIP)2.99
94Strikeouts106
33Walks39
Career vs. opponent
7.0Innings Pitched7.0
10Strikeouts11
2.57Earned Run Average9.00

July 2, 2013; Anaheim, CA, USA; St. Louis Cardinals starting pitcher Lance Lynn (31) pitches during the second inning against the Los Angeles Angels at Angel Stadium of Anaheim. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports

 

Marlins Lineup

LineupPlayerCurrent wOBAProj. wOBA (Rest of Season)
1Juan Pierre.258.287
2Ed Lucas.312.274
3Giancarlo Stanton.340.399
4Logan Morrison.429.347
5Marcell Ozuna.320.306
6Derek Dietrich.304.301
7Adeiny Hechavarria.249.275
8Jeff Mathis.247.260

Bold Prediction: Despite a strong start from starter Jose Fernandez, the Miami Marlins offense struggles against Lance Lynn. Marlins hitters strike out 12 times against Lynn as he throws six two runs innings. Marlins lose 3-2!