:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/60582609/usa-today-8582985.0.0.0.jpg)
After dropping the first two games of the series, the Marlins are hoping to avoid being swept for the third time in two weeks. Dan Jennings has tasted victory as Miami's manager only twice in his short tenure, and he's looking to improve his record against a Pirates squad that's on a 5-game winning streak. The Fish are only 2-8 in their last 10 games, so they need to start putting some wins together to make up some ground in the NL East.
Pitching Matchup
| PROJ ERA | FIP | ERA | MARLINS | PIRATES | ERA | FIP | PROJ ERA |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4.24 | 2.35 | 5.48 | Hand | Cole | 2.05 | 2.28 | 3.21 |
The Marlins are in a flux with their pitching situation with the injuries to Henderson Alvarez and Mat Latos, so relief pitcher Brad Hand is being given the opportunity to start his first game of the year. Dan Jennings is hoping Hand performs well, or he'll face even more scrutiny from the media. Hand will need all the help he can get as he faces a surging Pirates offensive force.
Gerrit Cole will start on the mound for Pittsburgh, and he will look to shut down a struggling Fish offense. He has been the Pirates' ace so far this year, as his numbers continue to impress.
Today's Lineups
| MIAMI MARLINS | PITTSBURGH PIRATES | |
|---|---|---|
| Dee Gordon - 2B | Josh Harrison - RF | |
| Martin Prado - 3B | Jordy Mercer - SS | |
| Giancarlo Stanton - RF | Andrew McCutchen - CF | |
| Justin Bour - 1B | Starling Marte - LF | |
| Marcell Ozuna - CF | Jung-Ho Kang - 3B | |
| Neil Walker - 2B | |
| Sean Rodriguez - 1B | ||
| Adeiny Hechavarria - SS | Chris Stewart - C | |
| Brad Hand- LHP | Gerrit Cole - RHP |
Notes
-Can Miami avoid another sweep?
-How will Brad Hand handle his first start since last season?
-Can Stanton knock a home run completely out of PNC Park?
Bold Prediction: Marlins avoid sweep, win 4-3.