MLB Lines – Marlins vs Padres
Miami kicks off an 11-game road trip against the Padres on Thursday, and will hope that it can improve its road record, which boasts just two wins on the season, against San Diego who took two of three at the Marlins earlier this season.
MIA: Jacob Turner (R) (0-0, 9.90 ERA) v SD: Ian Kennedy (R) (2-4, 3.43)
Date/Time: 10:10 pm ET Thursday, May 8, 2014
Venue: Petco Park, San Diego, California
Broadcast: FSN Florida, FSN San Diego
Line: San Diego -147
Total: 7
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Since that time, the Marlins (19-15) have made some major improvements and are winners of eight of their last nine. They are currently sitting second in the National League in runs scored, and are coming off a three-game sweep of the New York Mets, including two shut outs.
The Marlins offense is fueled by outfielder Giancarlo Stanton, who leads the league with 38 RBIs, along with first baseman Garrett Jones and third baseman Casey McGehee who leads Miami in the hit department with 41, including nine doubles.
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San Diego (15-20) in the meantime, has managed to plate only one run in its last two games after winning two straight.
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The offense has had its share of struggles this season and has gone cold as of late with its only bright spot being catcher Yasmani Grandal, who has clubbed three homers and six RBIs in his last six contests.
However, he was also held silent for the most part, going 1-for-4 his last time out against the Royals.
To get things turned around, the Padres will hand the ball to right-hander Ian Kennedy in the series opener.
Kennedy has allowed three or fewer runs in six of his seven starts, but has only one win in the last five tries. He did however, put up a win against the Marlins back in early April, allowing just one run on three hits in six innings.
Kennedy is 3-1 lifetime against the Fish with a 3.52 ERA in five starts.
The Marlins will counter with 22-year-old Jacob Turner, who gave up just one run on seven hits with seven strikeouts in his only appearance versus San Diego last June. The right-hander gave up six runs and nine hits over four innings Saturday against the Los Angeles Dodgers.
Notes
1. Miami LF Christian Yelich has the best average (.261) among Marlins regulars on the road in 2014.
2. Padres C Yasmani Grandal boasts three homers and six RBIs in his last six contests.
3. San Diego has allowed the most stolen bases in the majors (36), but Miami has swiped only nine (29th) this season.
MLB Gambling Trends
- Over is 6-2-1 in MIA last 9 overall.
- Over is 6-2-1 in MIA last 9 on grass.
- MIA are 28-74 in their last 102 road games.
- SD are 2-6 in their last 8 overall.
- SD are 2-6 in their last 8 games on grass.
- Under is 42-17-4 in SD last 63 overall.
- MIA are 3-8 in the last 11 meetings in San Diego.
Matt’s Free Prediction: Marlins –
The Marlins are hot right now, and Stanton and Jones have hit well against Kennedy.
And although Miami has struggled on the road this season, I’m going against the favorite in this one.
