The second half of the MLB season starts with a crucial meeting between two of the teams sitting at the bottom of the standings. The Miami Marlins, minus a couple of stars, take on the majors-worst Philadelphia Phillies. Can the Marlins add more to Philadelphia’s horrible season? Or will the Phillies take a much needed win?
For some top-flight Major League action, check out the complete previews for the Royals vs. White Sox and Mets vs. Cardinals.
[sc:MLBArticles ]Miami Marlins vs. Philadelphia Phillies Preview
Where: Citizens Bank Park, Philadelphia, PA
When: Friday, July 17, 7:05 PM ET
Line: Miami Marlins at Philadelphia Phillies – view all MLB lines
Betting on the Miami Marlins
Jose Fernandez makes his first start on the road when the Miami Marlins start off the second half of the regular season. The right-hander is 2-0 with a 2.08 ERA in his first two outings since undergoing Tommy John Surgery. He’ll be eased into his first road start when he takes on the majors-worst Philadelphia Phillies.
[sc:MLB240banner ]Fernandez is 0-1 with a 4.20 ERA in three career starts against Philadelphia. He struggled in his lone outing at Citizens Bank Park in 2014, allowing six earned runs in just four innings of action. But he’s limited the current group of Phillies to hitting just .174 in his career. Philadelphia’s home runs and RBI leader, Ryan Howard has gone just 1 of 9 against Fernandez in his career.
The Marlins won’t have batting average leader Dee Gordon at the plate for this series as he deals with a dislocated thumb. Adeiny Hechavarria, who has hit .278 thus far this season, should fill in nicely. The loss of Giancarlo Stanton is a big hit, though. He leads the Marlins in home runs (27) and RBIs (67) this season. No other Marlin has more than 10 home runs this season.
Justin Bour should do fine with Stanton currently out. He went 5 for 8 with three doubles, five RBIs and two runs scored in his last two outings. Bour has 10 homers this season, and will go up against Philadelphia starter Adam Morgan, who’s allowed five homers in his three starts this season.
The Marlins have won seven of their last 10 games against Philadelphia.
Betting on the Philadelphia Phillies
The Philadelphia Phillies ended the first half of the regular season on a five-game losing streak. The Phillies were outscored 38-9 in their losing streak and were shut out twice. The Phillies hope for a big performance from rookie pitcher Adam Morgan (1-2, 4.32 ERA) at home to put and end to that skid.
In Morgan’s lone home start this season, he limited the St. Louis Cardinals to just one earned run on a homer in 5.2 innings of a 9-2 victory. His two losses this season have come on the road, where he allowed seven earned runs in 11 innings.
At the plate, Philadelphia will be banking on Ben Revere and Ryan Howard to continue their respective hot streaks. Revere has hit .412 in the past seven days, while Howard has hit .417. Revere leads the Phillies in batting average, while Howard brings some power at the plate. Howard leads the team with 15 home runs and 45 RBIs. However, they’re a combined 2 of 17 in their careers against Fernandez.
The Phillies have won four of their last seven home games against the Marlins.
Writer’s Prediction
Philadelphia takes a tight game against the Marlins. Create a betting account now and get yourself some baseball action as Major League Baseball heats up.
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