The Philadelphia Phillies and the Miami Marlins meet Monday in MLB action from Marlins Park. Philadelphia is fresh off a weekend series versus the Pirates. After a split in the first two games, in the rubber match the Phillies fell by two to lose the series. As for Miami, they just finished up against the Tigers. Miami likewise split their first pair, then on Sunday the Marlins bagged a two-run win to take the set. Check back all season long for free MLB picks at Sports Chat Place. 

Philadelphia Phillies 

The Phillies were able to eke out a 2-1 win Friday over the Pirates, but then fell 7-6 in game two despite three RBI and a run from Brandon Marsh. On Sunday Philadelphia gave up a walk-off homer in the bottom of the 10th to Josh Palacios during a 6-4 loss. Alec Bohm had a good day with three hits, three RBI and a homer, and Bryce Harper posted a run, three walks and an RBI. 

For the starter job in the Monday opener the Phillies are sending out Taijuan Walker. This year Walker is 11-4 with a 4.06 ERA in 21 starts. He’s 5-1 with a 3.09 ERA over his last seven appearances, striking out 40 in 43.2 innings during that time. 

Philadelphia Phillies Team Facts

• The Phillies have won each of their last nine games against the Marlins after going to extra innings.
• The Phillies have failed to cover the run line each of their last nine games against National League opponents that held a winning record.
• The Phillies have trailed after 3 innings in each of their last five games against opponents that held a winning record.
• The Phillies have trailed after 5 innings in each of their last six games at LoanDepot Park.
• The ‘Inning 1 UNDER 0.5 runs’ market has hit in each of the Phillies’ last six games.

Miami Marlins 

Over on the Marlins’ side, they had a close win Friday as well 6-5. Saturday was a 5-0 loss however, with Luis Arraez the only player with multiple hits (two). In the finale Miami posted 13 team hits in an 8-6 win. Garrett Cooper posted a two-run homer while Jean Segura added a solo shot with two runs. Garrett Hampson went 3-for-4 with two RBI and a run as well. 

As starting pitcher Monday the Marlins will go with Edward Cabrera. This year in his 16 starts Cabrera is 5-6 with a 4.74 ERA and 90 Ks in 74.0 innings. Cabrera is 2-3 over his last seven games with a 4.28 ERA and 35 Ks in 33.2 frames. 

Miami Marlins Team Facts

• The Marlins have lost each of their last seven night games against NL East opponents that held a winning record.
• The Marlins have failed to cover the run line in each of their last six night games against NL East opponents following a win.
• The Marlins have led after 5 innings in each of their last six games against the Phillies at LoanDepot Park.
• The ‘Inning 1 UNDER 0.5 runs’ market has hit in each of the last four night games between the Phillies and Marlins.
• The Marlins have led after 7 innings in each of their last six home games against NL East opponents.

Matchup/League Facts

• The Miami Marlins ranks 3rd in the league for hits this season (954).
• The Miami Marlins ranks 3rd in the league for batting average this season (.265).
• The Philadelphia Phillies ranks T3rd in the league for triples this season (21).
• The Philadelphia Phillies ranks T5th in the league for walks allowed this season (300).

ANDREW’S FREE PICK 

I’ll probably stay with the Phillies here. Cabrera has been struggling lately, outside of his 5.0 innings and one earned versus the Cardinals on July 18. On July 25 in his most recent start, Cabrera gave up three earned on four hits and two walks in 2.0 innings during another loss to the Rays. Philadelphia should have some early opportunities to put runners on base in this opener. On Sunday the Phillies had a reasonably successful offensive evening but couldn’t score after the seventh. The pen gave up four earned in 4.0 innings as well. Philadelphia is going to have to bounce back on the mound in this one, but I think they’ve got a decent shot at it.