Miami Marlins vs Arizona Diamondbacks Series Preview

After a 10-game, 3 city road trip in which the Miami Marlins went 3-7, the Marlins return home for  six straight. The first team up? The Arizona Diamondbacks, a team that Miami will see seven times over the next week and a half.

The Miami Marlins have struggled at Marlins Park so far this season going 4-7, while the Diamondbacks are a quality road team sitting at 9-8 on the road so far this season.

Key To Win Series – Hitting

This is a big series for the Marlins offense. After only scoring four runs in three games up at Nationals Park, the Marlins bats are set for a big bounce-back series as they will face three starters with ERA’s all over 4+.

The potential return of Brian Anderson will certainly help a struggling lineup, but the opportunity is certainly there for a big offensive series for the Fish.

The first pitch times, as well as the probable pitching matchups for each game of the 3-game series can be found below (All games at Marlins Park):

Miami Marlins (11-16, 5th in NL East) vs Arizona Diamondbacks (15-13, 4th in NL West)

Tuesday

First Pitch: 6:40 pm ET

Probable Starters: Sandy Alcantara (1-2, 3.19 ERA) vs Riley Smith (1-1, 4.76 ERA)

Wednesday

First Pitch: 6:40 pm ET

Probable Starters: Pablo Lopez (0-2, 2.34 ERA) vs Luke Weaver (1-2, 4.91 ERA)

Thursday

First Pitch: 6:40 pm ET

Probable Starters: TBD vs Madison Bumgarner (3-2, 5.58 ERA)

Series Predictions

Series Offensive MVP: Jesus Aguilar

Aguilar leads the Marlins in HRs, RBIs, and OPS. He is by-far the hottest hitter currently in the Marlins line-up, and should continue to swing a hot bat.

Series Pitching MVP: Pablo Lopez

Lopez has been outstanding at home so far this season having only allowed two runs in 17.2 innings. Look for Lopez to continue his hot start.

Break-Out Player: Adam Duvall

Aside from a few dominant games in Atlanta earlier this season, Duvall has fairly underwhelmed so far. Only having three hits in his last 10 games, look for Duvall to potentially break-out of this slump against the Diamondbacks.

The opportunity is there for the Miami Marlins in this series. Can they take advantage of it?