Series Preview: Miami Marlins vs Philadelphia Phillies – October 1/3

Series Preview: Miami Marlins vs Philadelphia Phillies

When: Friday, October 1 – Sunday, October 3

Location: loanDepot Park, Miami, FL

After struggling on the road-trip, the Miami Marlins return home to close out the 2021 season with three games against the Philadelphia Phillies.

As mentioned previously, the Marlins struggled mightily on their mid-week road trip that included dropping six-of-seven total games in Tampa Bay and New York.

Miami enters play for the first series of the 2021 season with a 65-94 overall record, and fourth in the NL East. The Marlins have been good at loanDepot Park this season holding a 40-38 record at home, and look to put the finishing touches on that here.

The Phillies come to town for the season finale after being swept in Atlanta against the Braves during the week. With the loss to the Braves on Friday, Philadelphia was officially eliminated from postseason contention.

The Phillies own an 81-78 record on the season, and second in the NL East. The Phillies have been a very good offensive team this season, but had also allowed a total of 732 runs entering play Thursday which was the seventh-most in the National League.

Philadelphia Phillies Players to Watch

RF Bryce Harper

By-far the Phillies top hitter is Harper, one of the favorites to be named the 2021 NL MVP. Slashing .308/.430/.612 for the season with 34 home runs and 82 RBI’s, Harper posted a 1.163 OPS during the month of September.

2B Jean Segura

Segura has enjoyed one of the better seasons of his career this year slashing .292/.351/.439 with 14 home runs, 58 RBI’s, and nine stolen bases. Segura posted a strong September which included four home runs and 13 RBI’s.

C JT Realmuto

The former Marlins backstop slashed .271/.320/.406 during the month of September with two home runs and 14 RBI’s. For the season, Realmuto has posted a .786 OPS with 16 home runs and 72 RBI’s.

CF Odubel Herrera

Herrera entered play Thursday on a five-game hitting streak which included 10 hits, four of which were doubles. For the season, Herrera has slashed .264/.316/.425 with 13 home runs and 50 RBI’s.

RP Hector Neris

The Philadelphia bullpen has struggled at times this season with the top reliever arguably being Neris. For the season, Neris has posted a 3.52 ERA with 31 walks and 94 strikeouts.

Start Times & Probable Pitching Matchups

Game 1: Friday, October 1 at 7:10 pm ET

Probable Starters: RHP Sandy Alcantara vs LHP Ranger Suarez

Alcantara (MIA): 9-14, 3.09 ERA, 1.071 WHIP, 49 BB, 195 K

Suarez (PHI): 7-5, 1.45 ERA, 1.000 WHIP, 32 BB, 98 K

Game 2: Saturday, October 2 at 6:10 pm ET

Probable Starters: LHP Jesus Luzardo vs TBD

Luzardo (MIA): 5-9, 6.90 ERA, 1.654 WHIP, 32 BB, 47 K

Game 3: Sunday, October 3 at 3:10 pm ET

Probable Starters: TBD vs RHP Zack Wheeler

Wheeler (PHI): 14-9, 2.79 ERA, 1.008 WHIP, 46 BB, 247 K (Leads MLB)

Miami Marlins vs Philadelphia Phillies Series Prediction

With both teams not playing postseason baseball this season, both the Marlins and Phillies will be wanting to finish the 2021 campaign on a high-note. While both teams have struggled recently, will the Marlins finish the season with a couple of wins here?

Expect Alcantara to put the finishing touches on a phenomenal 2021 campaign with a strong start Friday night, while others such as Chisholm, Sanchez, De La Cruz, and Diaz will look to cap what has been an impressive season for each.

The Marlins should finish the season on a high-note here, likely taking two-of-three from the Phillies at home this weekend.

Prediction: Marlins 2-1