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Marlins Aim for Series Win Against White Sox in Battle of Struggling Teams
In a showdown between two of MLB’s struggling teams, the Miami Marlins and the Chicago White Sox will play the final game of their three-game series on Sunday afternoon. Both teams are hoping to end the series on a high note despite their challenging seasons.
Team Records and Struggles
Chicago White Sox: The White Sox currently have the worst record in the majors at 26-65. Their road performance has been equally tough, with a 10-36 record, the worst in MLB.
Miami Marlins: The Marlins aren’t far behind, holding the worst record in the National League at 31-58, and they’ve struggled at home with a 17-31 record.
Pitching Matchup
Edward Cabrera for the Marlins:
- Season Performance: Cabrera (1-2, 7.17 ERA) hasn’t pitched since May 7 and will be activated from the injured list for this game. He has potential, with 31 strikeouts in 21 1/3 innings, but control has been an issue, with 14 walks.
- Manager’s Comments: Marlins manager Skip Schumaker emphasized Cabrera’s need to avoid walks to be effective. “When he’s over the plate, he dominates,” Schumaker said.
Jonathan Cannon for the White Sox:
- Season Performance: Cannon (1-2, 4.62 ERA), a rookie, has had an up-and-down season. He pitched 8 2/3 scoreless innings against Houston on June 18 but lasted just one inning in his next start, allowing eight runs (five earned) against the Tigers.
- Team Performance: The White Sox are 4-4 in games where Cannon has pitched.
Series Highlights
Game 1: Chicago won 3-2 on Friday, with solid pitching playing a crucial role.
Game 2: Miami rallied to win 5-3 on Saturday, ending their five-game losing streak. Dane Myers hit a two-run homer in the seventh inning to secure the victory.
Player Performances
Julio Rodriguez:
- Health Concerns: Rodriguez experienced lower right quadriceps tightness and left Saturday’s game after the first inning. His status for Sunday is uncertain as he awaits MRI results.
- Manager’s Comments: “He came in this morning and felt fine. But during pre-game sprints in the outfield, he felt something. It tightened up and didn’t feel great,” Schumaker said.
Dane Myers:
- Recent Form: Myers, a backup outfielder, has been performing well lately. He went 3-for-4 with three RBIs on Saturday and will start again on Sunday.
- Manager’s Confidence: Schumaker praised Myers, stating, “I’m going to start Myers again (Sunday). Ride that hot hand.”
Josh Bell:
- Slump: Bell is in an 0-for-18 slump this month and was benched on Saturday. Despite his struggles, Bell hit 22 homers and drove in 74 runs last season.
Conclusion
Sunday’s game will determine which team can clinch the series. The Marlins, buoyed by Dane Myers’ recent performance, aim to secure a series win despite Julio Rodriguez’s uncertain status. Meanwhile, the White Sox are looking to break their road woes with a strong performance from rookie Jonathan Cannon. This matchup promises to be a competitive contest between two teams seeking redemption.
