The Marlins are once again looking for that ever elusive win. And if they find one, it will even the series.
Ricky Nolasco takes the hill for the Marlins. Ricky was simply bad in his last start. He was pitching behind in the count and couldn't find the strike zone with both hands and a flashlight. But that was then and this is now. If Ricky can command his pitches and pound the lower half of the strike zone, he should do ok. However, Nolasco has never had much luck against the Rays.
Alex Cobb gets the start for the Rays. This will be Cobb's fifth start of the season and his first ever against the Marlins. And he couldn't have picked a better time to face the Fish. In Cobb's last two starts, he overcame his earlier pitch control issues and did very well. In a combined 12 innings, he only gave up 2 runs while striking out 10. He throws a fastball (91 mph), curve and change. His off-speed pitches are his most effective.
The Marlins starting lineup:
Wise, CF
Boni, RF
LoMo, LF
Gaby, 1B
Dobbs, 3B
Ramirez, SS
Lopez, DH
Buck, C
Infante, 2B
This is the lowest spot in the order that Hanley has been slotted since being a Major Leaguer. Stanton was scratched due to a right eye infection, which they are now saying he has had for some time. Whatever.
On a positive note: the Marlins wives beat the Rays wives in softball, 6-1. Someone get them a uniform.
Ichthyomancy is looking for some runs, for a change.
Best of Luck to You!