Series Preview: Milwaukee Brewers at Miami Marlins (May 23-25)

The Miami Marlins returned home from the West Coast in style, taking two of three from the Philadelphia Phillies. The bats came alive as the Fish plated 23 runs in the series. Marcell Ozuna smashed a pair of home runs — including a grand slam — while Christian Yelich capped off the rubber match with a walk-off bases loaded single Wednesday afternoon.

Now the Marlins welcome the Milwaukee Brewers to Marlins Park for a three game weekend set. It’s always fun when a non-division opponent comes to town because you get to see players you probably aren’t too familiar with. The Brewers, like the Marlins, have been one of the surprising teams up to this point of the season. They currently lead the National League Central with a 28-20 record.

Entering play on Friday the Brewers are 4-6 in their last ten games. The Marlins are 5-5 in their last ten. Milwaukee dropped its series finale against the Braves on Thursday, 5-4, while the Marlins are winners of two straight against the Phillies.

All three games can be seen on Fox Sports Florida with our pals Rich Waltz and Tommy Hutton.

Pitching Matchups:

Friday, May 23 – 7:10 PM EDT
Brewers: Marco Estrada (3.64 ERA, 5.03 FIP)
Marlins: Tom Koehler (2.25 ERA, 4.12 FIP)

Saturday, May 24 – 4:10 PM EDT
Brewers: Wily Peralta (2.18 ERA, 3.90 FIP)
Marlins: Jacob Turner (6.59 ERA, 4.60 FIP)

Sunday, May 25 – 1:10 PM EDT
Brewers: TBA
Marlins: Randy Wolf (1.80 ERA, 1.66 FIP)

Storyline:

The Marlins still have the best home record in baseball in 2014. The first-place Brewers are 14-10 on the road and will look to play the role of homewreckers.

Each pitching matchup in this series comes with some intrigue. Game one has the potential to be a pitcher’s duel, but Marco Estrada leads the league in home runs allowed with 12. The Marlins have been pumping out long balls lately, so keep an eye on that matchup. Tom Koehler has been one of the surprise pitchers this season and will look to continue his success at Marlins Park where he is 3-0 with a 0.64 ERA.

Game two appears to be somewhat of a mismatch as Wily Peralta has been effective while Jacob Turner has not. I can’t help but think Turner’s days in the rotation are numbered if he continues to scuffle. Saturday will be a crucial start for him.

The Brewers website still has Yovani Gallardo listed as the starter for Sunday despite the ankle injury he suffered Tuesday against the Braves. He has not been placed on the disabled list, but should he be unable to go on Sunday, long reliever Tyler Thornburg could be penciled in to start, according to Tom Haudricourt of the Milwaukee-Wisconsin Journal Sentinel.

Prediction:

The Marlins keep up their ridiculous performance at home and take two of three from the Brewers. Giancarlo Stanton hits a pair of home runs in the series, and Casey McGehee finally hits his second on the year. Jacob Turner makes it through six innings allowing just two runs in his start, giving himself some confidence moving forward. Tom Koehler and Randy Wolf both don’t make it out of the sixth inning in their respective starts, but the bullpen gets over some of its recent hiccups and holds down two wins for the Fish.

What do you think? Am I insane for thinking the Marlins keep the run going and take two of three from one of the top teams in the National League? Let us know in the comments below, and Lets Go Fish!