The Miami Marlins (16-18) are on the road to face the Chicago Cubs (17-16) at Wrigley Field on Sunday with the home team in position to sweep the three-game series.
The Cubs lead the series 2-0 after winning 4-2 on Saturday, their second head-to-head victory in five games this season. Reliever Keegan Thompson threw three scoreless innings to get the win, and Adbert Alzolay earned his first save of the season with a scoreless ninth. Miguel Amaya went 1 for 1 with one RBI in the win. Jorge Soler was 2 for 3 with a home run and two runs for the Marlins.
ON THE MOUND
Sandy Alcantara (1-3, 5.09 ERA) is slated to start for Miami. The righty allowed three runs over five innings in his last start, a 6-0 road defeat against the Braves on Tuesday. He took the loss, giving up six hits while striking out five and walking three. Righty Hayden Wesneski (2-1, 4.45 ERA) gets the start for Chicago.
It’s his first appearance of the season against the Marlins. In his last start on Tuesday, Wesneski took a no-decision on the road against the Nationals. He threw six innings and gave up one run on five hits, striking out two, in the 4-1 defeat.
AT THE PLATE
Over the last five games, Miami has averaged 2.4 runs a game, a small drop compared to their season average of 3.3. Against righties like Wesneski this season, the Fish have a .662 OPS, fifth lowest in MLB.
Luis Arraez is the team’s best hitter against right-handers with a 1.103 OPS in 76 at-bats. Chicago is averaging only 2.6 runs per game in the last five, down from 5.0 for the season, with their slash line slipping across the board (.233/.302/.319).
The Cubs have a .760 OPS against right-handers in 2023. With a .582 SLG over 79 at-bats, Patrick Wisdom has been their best power hitter against right-handers.
HOME AND AWAY
Miami is 6-9 in away games in 2023, scoring 3.7 runs per game while allowing 5.5 runs. Chicago has won three in a row at their home park.
The Cubs are 10-8 at home this season, averaging 4.8 runs per game while surrendering 3.9. In the last 10 meetings at Wrigley Field, each club has won five, though Miami has the scoring advantage with an average final margin of 3.5-2.0.
STANDINGS UPDATE
The Marlins are third in the NL East, six games behind the division-leading Braves. The Cubs are third in the NL Central, three games behind the Pirates.
SportsTips’ MLB Pick:
Miami Marlins (-115)
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*Odds correct at time of publication, courtesy of BetMGM.
