Series Preview: Miami Marlins vs Philadelphia Phillies

After a four-game series split against the Nationals over the weekend, the Miami Marlins hit the road for six-games in Philadelphia and Atlanta.

Entering the week with a 4-6 record across their last 10 games, the Miami Marlins find themselves 11 games below .500 with a +17 Run Differential. The Marlins will now travel first to Philadelphia for three-games against the NL East division rival Phillies, a team they are 11-6 against dating back to last season.

The Phillies enter this series four games below .500, as well as 5.5 GB of first place in the NL East. Sporting a 3-7 record across their last 10 games, Philadelphia will be looking to jump back to contention in the NL East after dropping six of their last eight games, four of which came against divisional opponents.

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

Miami Marlins (33-44, 5th in NL East) vs Philadelphia Phillies (36-40, 4th in NL East)

Tuesday, June 29

First Pitch: 7:05 pm ET

Probable Starters: Trevor Rogers (7-4, 2.08 ERA) vs Vince Velasquez (2-2, 4.74 ERA)

Wednesday, June 30

First Pitch: 7:05 pm ET

Probable Starters: TBD vs Aaron Nola (5-4, 3.97 ERA)

Thursday, July 1

First Pitch: 6:05 pm ET

Probable Starters: Pablo Lopez (4-4, 2.87 ERA) vs Zach Eflin (2-6, 4.20 ERA)

Phillies Players To Watch

• 2B Jean Segura (#2) – .332 AVG, 3 HR, 20 RBI, 6 SB
• C JT Realmuto (#10) – .269 AVG, 7 HR, 29 RBI, 4 SB
• OF Odubel Herrera (#37) – .247 AVG, 5 HR, 20 RBI, 4 SB

Key To Win Series: Offense

The Phillies are one of the best teams in the NL at home sporting a 21-14 record at Citizens Bank Park. Philadelphia can be very good at times offensively at home, but Miami’s starting pitching will give them a chance against anyone. The Marlins must take advantage of any run-scoring opportunities when they get the chance, because all it takes is one swing to make a difference in Citizens Bank Park, especially with the short-porch in right field.

Series Predictions

Offensive MVP: Garrett Cooper

Cooper has four hits, four runs scored, one HR, two RBI’s, and two doubles in seven at-bats since returning from the IL. The veteran slugger appears to be fully back for Miami, and could play a big role offensively in this series based on what we saw over the weekend.

Pitching MVP: Starting Rotation

While the Game Two starter is still TBD, the Marlins will be starting two dominant pitchers in Rogers and Lopez. These two both sport a current ERA under 3.00, and haven’t showed any signs of slowing down anytime soon.

Bold Prediction: Marlins sweep

Miami badly needs wins quickly to get back into potential postseason contention. Is it too crazy to say we could see a Marlins’ sweep here? As mentioned previously, Miami is 11-6 against the Phillies dating back to last season, which also includes a 4-2 record in Philadelphia during the span. When you that into account, don’t be surprised if we at least see a Marlins’ series win, or possibly even a sweep to start the road-trip.