Miami Marlins vs Pittsburgh Pirates Series Preview

After dropping both games in Buffalo against the Blue Jays, the Miami Marlins travel to Pittsburgh for a 4-game series.

It has been a rough road-trip so far for the Miami Marlins. After losing both games played in Boston which was followed by the previously mentioned two-game series against Toronto, the Marlins badly need some momentum having lost five in a row. This 4-game series however in Pittsburgh presents an opportunity to build some momentum.

The Pirates are slumping as well having lost nine of their last eleven games coming into this series. Pittsburgh currently sports the lowest run differential in the league, and have scored the second fewest runs of any team this season.

The first pitch times and probable pitching matchups for each game of the series can be found below (Games at PNC Park, Pittsburgh, PA):

Miami Marlins (24-30, 4th in NL East) vs Pittsburgh Pirates (20-34, 5th in NL Central)

Thursday, June 3

First Pitch: 7:05 pm ET

Probable Starters: Elieser Hernandez (0-0, 7.71 ERA) vs Tyler Anderson (3-5, 4.63 ERA)

Friday, June 4

First Pitch: 7:05 pm ET

Probable Starters: Cody Poteet (2-1, 2.95 ERA) vs TBD

Saturday, June 5

First Pitch: 4:05 pm ET

Probable Starters: Trevor Rogers (6-3, 1.87 ERA) vs TBD

Sunday, June 6

First Pitch: 1:05 pm ET

Probable Starters: Sandy Alcantara (2-5, 3.68 ERA) vs TBD

Pirates Players to Watch

• OF Bryan Reynolds (#10) – .283 AVG, 7 HR, 24 RBI
• C Jacob Stallings (#58) – .235 AVG, 4 HR, 19 RBI
• 2B Adam Frazier (#26) – .335 AVG, 2 HR, 19 RBI, 3 SB

Key to Win Series: Hit, Just Hit

It is no secret that the Pirates aren’t the best team in baseball. Pittsburgh struggles to put runs on the board, and it will be even tougher facing the Marlins starters. If the Marlins simply hit, they will win this series.

Series Predictions

Offensive MVP: Jazz Chisholm

The Marlins need a spark. Who better to turn to than your leadoff hitter?

Pitching MVP: Trevor Rogers

The back-to-back NL Rookie of the Month has been phenomenal so far this season. Expect Rogers to get the month of June off to a hot start.

Bold Prediction: Big Series for Luis Marte

Marte will most likely draw at least two starts in this 4-game series. Are we in for a big series from Marte?