Forget Playoffs, Marlins Trying to Stay Ahead of Mets

Sep 10, 2014; Milwaukee, WI, USA; Miami Marlins pitcher Jarred Cosart (23) throws a pitch during the first inning against the Milwaukee Brewers at Miller Park. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports

Just a week ago, the outlook on the final couple of weeks for the Marlins season was much different from it is today. They were 3.5 games out of the wild card, just getting a series underway with the free-falling Milwaukee Brewers, one of the few teams that they needed to catch.

What a difference a week makes.

After a soul-crushing injury to MVP candidate Giancarlo Stanton, the Marlins dropped the final 2 games in Milwaukee, and followed that up with 2 losses in Philadelphia. If it wasn’t for some late inning magic in the 9th inning of the finale, Miami would have been swept by the last place Phillies.

Now Miami’s playoff hopes have all but faded, and a new challenge has taken its place, one in the form of the New York Mets. The Mets have quietly put together a solid second half of the season and have worked their way to within a game of the 3rd place Marlins.

Going into this season, even the most optimistic fans could admit that 3rd place behind the Braves and the Nationals was a lofty goal, but a goal nonetheless. After a season in which they have exceeded many expectations, they find themselves ahead of New York, who is sporting an excellent pitching staff.

Miami is currently 4 games under .500, and travel to Citi Field for the last time this year. If you are only able to take in one game of the series, make it the first one as this features a battle between both club’s hottest pitchers.

Jarred Cosart is looking to build on his solid National League campaign as he enters the game with a 4-2 record and a sub 2 ERA. He will face potential Rookie of the Year candidate Jacob deGrom. deGrom is 8-6 with a 2.62 ERA. Many people fear rookies hitting the proverbial “wall” that comes at the end of the season. deGrom will hear nothing of the sort. He hasn’t allowed an earned run in his last 3 starts, including one against the Fish. This should be a pitchers duel and one that shouldn’t be missed.

Game 2 will be the exact opposite as Marlins righty Nathan Eovaldi takes on Bartolo Colon. Eovaldi is 75 innings over his previous career high and it seems to be showing. He has been inconsistent and unable to overcome poor peripherals. Colon, amazingly enough, is still pitching in the Major League’s, despite appearing to way the same as a small Volkswagen. He is 13-12 with an ERA north of 4.

The series final offers the Marlins the best chance at a win this 3-game set will offer. Henderson Alvarez will take the hill for Miami to face Dillon Gee. Gee is 7-7 with a 3.80 ERA, but has struggled with receiving run support this season. He will have a tall task in outdueling Alvarez, who has become the de facto ace for this Marlins team.

I think the Fish will win 2 of 3. David Wright has been shut down for the year, so Miami fans won’t have to be concerned about him single-handedly destroying Fish dreams like he usually does.

What do you predict the outcome of the series will be? Let us know in the comments below!