Marlins vs. Phillies: Game 160 Thread

Having been rained out yesterday, the Marlins and Phillies will go back to back today in a double-header, closing out the series and the season for both teams tomorrow. The Phillies are looking to avoid the possibility of their first 100 loss season since 1961, which is amazing to me, because the Phillies have had a lot of bad teams between the early '60s and today. The Marlins, conversely, are looking to...uh...they're trying to...well, it would be nice if they won 70...I guess. In the first game today will be Tom Koehler versus Aaron Harang.

Pitching Matchup

Harang has an ugly W/L record, but we know better than to judge a pitcher solely on that, so we can turn to his FIP, which is also bad. With a below average repertoire at this point, he's getting along on veteran guile. Harang has fared much better on the road than at home, so all and all, the Fish should be able to get to him. Or not.

Against the Braves this past Tuesday, Koehler pitched six and two third's innings, giving up four runs on nine hits, walking five and striking out two. Even the poor line, he picked up the victory as the offense spotted him seven runs before he exited the game. Despite an up and down season, I'd consider it a minor surprise if Koehler wasn't a lock for next year's rotation, doubly so if the Fish don't pick up an extra starter in free agency.

Notes:

- In his quest for a batting title, Dee Gordon is presently hitting .329, finding himself behind Bryce Harper at .331, entering today. Flash Jr. is also two hits away from 200 for the season, which would be the first time a Marlin has done that since Hanley Ramirez in 2007.

- Ichiro currently sits at 2935 hits, tied with Barry Bonds on the all-time hits list. Next up is Frank Robinson at 2943, which, barring an outburst that Ichiro doesn't seem to have in him at this point, will have to wait until next season.

Bold Prediction: Marlins smoke Phillies 12-4.