The Marlins are in Chicago to play a four-game set against the Cubs. The Fish entered the All-Star break on a roll and will look to pick up where they left off and win game number 6 in-a-row. The Marlins haven't won 6 in-a-row since 2009. So big stuff could happen tonight.
A word of warning: This is the only night game of the four game series, the remaining three will be played during the day. Which absolutely sucks. But it is what it is.
Anibal Sanchez takes the mound for the Marlins. Anibal is coming off two consecutive bad starts. In his last two times out he pitched a combined 7.2 innings and gave up 12 runs. Just to top that off the last and only time he has pitched in Wrigley he only went 4 innings and gave up 6 runs. Scarey huh? Not to worry Anibal is a much better pitcher than those stats indicate. If he has command of his breaking stuff and is able to hit the desired locations, he will basically shutdown the Cubs offense.
Matt Garza is on the hill for the Cubs. Garza also had problems of his own in last start, only going 2 innings and allowing 7 runs against the Nationals. But that was on the road and he does better when he is pitching at home. Garza throws a fastball (94 mph), slider, curve and change. His fastball and slider are his most effective pitches. The Marlins are familiar with Garza and have had some success, though spotty, against him in the past.
The Marlins starting lineup:
Boni, 3B
Infante, 2B
Gaby, 3B
Ramirez, SS
LoMo, LF
Stanton, RF
Cameron, CF
Buck, C
Anibal, P
Basically the same as before the break.
Ichthyomancy is ready to go.
Best of Luck to You!