Series Preview: Miami Marlins vs Tampa Bay Rays – September 24/26

Start Times & Probable Pitching Matchups

Game 1: Friday, September 24 at 7:10 pm ET

Probable Starters: RHP Edward Cabrera vs RHP David Robertson

Cabrera (MIA): 0-2, 5.31 ERA, 1.623 WHIP, 13 BB, 16 K – Marlins No. 2 prospect

Robertson (TB): 0-0, 5.63 ERA, 1.500 WHIP, 3 BB, 13 K

Game 2: Saturday, September 25 at 6:10 pm ET

Probable Starters: RHP Sandy Alcantara vs LHP Shane McClanahan

Alcantara (MIA): 9-13, 3.05 ERA, 1.058 WHIP, 49 BB, 189 K

McClanahan (TB): 9-6, 3.51 ERA, 1.275 WHIP, 36 BB, 135 K

Game 3: Sunday, September 26 at 1:10 pm ET

Probable Starters: LHP Jesus Luzardo vs RHP Shane Baz

Luzardo (MIA): 5-8, 7.01 ERA, 1.674 WHIP, 46 BB, 82 K

Baz (TB): 1-0, 3.60 ERA, 0.400 WHIP, 0 BB, 5 K – Rays No. 1 prospect

Miami Marlins vs Tampa Bay Rays Series Prediction

While these two teams are headed in different directions for the remainder of the 2021 season, this three-game set should provide three very-good pitching matchups.

Game 1 will include a Tampa Bay bullpen-game up against Miami’s top pitching prospect, while Game 3 involves the second-career start for the Rays No. 1 prospect. While those matchups will already be entertaining, Game 2 will truly be must-see between Alcantara and McClanahan.

Tampa Bay is clearly the better team at the moment between the two, and will be playing to potentially clinch the AL East, as well as the top seed in the American League. This series has too-much importance for the Rays to lose at home, but don’t count out the Marlins, especially in Game 2 behind Alcantara.

Prediction: Rays 3-0