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Cardinals’ Stellar Pitching Boosts Team, Marlins Struggle to Find Offense
The St. Louis Cardinals, showcasing a remarkable turnaround in their season, are set to open a three-game series against the Miami Marlins. This matchup pits the Cardinals’ resurgent form against the Marlins’ ongoing offensive challenges.
Cardinals’ Resurgence
On May 11, the Cardinals were languishing with a 15-24 record. However, after a narrow 2-1 victory over the Chicago Cubs on Sunday, the Cardinals now stand at an even 35-35. If the season ended today, they would secure a wild-card spot. Manager Oliver Marmol credited the pitching staff for their recent success.
Key Player – Sonny Gray
The Cardinals will rely on right-hander Sonny Gray to continue their winning streak. Gray, who has been a standout performer this season with an 8-4 record and a 3.01 ERA, has a perfect record against the Marlins. In five career starts against Miami, he is 3-0 with a 2.48 ERA.
Gray’s Performance and Skills:
- Contract and Consistency: Signed in November with a three-year, $75 million deal, Gray has lived up to expectations. If his current form continues, this will be his third consecutive year with an ERA below 3.10 over 68 starts.
- Effective Sweeper Pitch: His sweeper pitch was the best in the majors last year, and he also led in the lowest homer rate (0.4). This year, his homer rate is slightly higher at 0.8.
- Recent Game Highlight: Gray’s recent win against the Pittsburgh Pirates saw him allow just one run on four hits and one walk over seven innings, striking out nine batters.
Marlins’ Offensive Struggles
The Miami Marlins are grappling with a lack of offensive output, highlighted by a 1-5 road trip and a sweep at the hands of the Washington Nationals. Manager Skip Schumaker noted the team’s difficulty in getting crucial hits, particularly from the middle of the order.
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Key Player – Braxton Garrett
Left-hander Braxton Garrett will start for the Marlins, bringing a 2-2 record and a 6.10 ERA into the game. His past performances against the Cardinals have been less than stellar, with an 0-1 record and a 6.14 ERA in three career starts.
Garrett’s Challenges:
- Strikeout Rate: This season, Garrett’s strikeout rate is at a career-low 8.1 per nine innings.
- Pitching Arsenal: He primarily relies on a hard sinker, a plus sweeper, and a changeup, which batters find difficult to lift.
- Team Performance: Despite his struggles, the Marlins are 4-2 in games he starts, though they have lost his last two starts.
Team Dynamics and Historical Performance
The Cardinals have historically dominated the Marlins with a 134-87 record. However, the Marlins have won four of their last five home games against the Cardinals, including a 3-1 series win last July. This season, the Marlins are 20-25 against right-handed starters but a dismal 3-23 against left-handed starters, the fewest wins in the majors under that criterion.
Closer Tanner Scott
If the Marlins manage to secure a late lead, expect to see closer Tanner Scott. Scott, a left-hander, had an outstanding May, allowing no runs in 10 1/3 innings and striking out 11. His hard slider and 97-mph fastball make him a formidable opponent in the closing stages of a game.
Conclusion
As the Cardinals and Marlins prepare for their series, the spotlight will be on the Cardinals’ strong pitching led by Sonny Gray and the Marlins’ quest to overcome their offensive slump. The outcome of this series could hinge on key performances from starting pitchers and the effectiveness of each team’s bullpen.
