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Marlins vs. Rays: Game 158 Thread

The two Florida teams wrap September up against each other in game two of the three game set.

That's one way to do it.
That's one way to do it.
Brian Blanco/Getty Images

The road has not been kind to the Marlins this season, going twenty games under .500 at 28-48 presently. Conversely, they actually finished 41-40 at home, so finding some success away from Marlins Park will certainly be a priority for the club heading into 2016.

That being said, they close the book on a successful September today, going 16-9 to this point and having won seven of the last eight series. One doesn't necessarily appreciate finishing strong as much as if the Marlins were in the thick of the play-off race, but hey, it's better than the alternative. Today Jarred Cosart battles Drew Smyly in the last installment of the Citrus Series in 2015.

Pitching Matchup
Record ERA FIP Marlins Rays Record ERA FIP
2-4 4.15 5.00 Cosart Smyly 4-2 3.26 4.11

Smyly, an American League product his entire big league career with the Tigers and now the Rays, has never faced the Marlins. Since returning from a torn labrum that kept him out for more than half the season, he has done quite well, striking out 69 in 60 and two third's innings pitched over 11 starts.

Cosart has allowed only three earned runs in his last 19 and two third's innings pitched. His last outing was cut short when he took a line drive off of his left forearm, but fortunately came away with just a contusion. While he has pitched relatively well since returning from the DL, he hasn't been particularly efficient, averaging almost 19 pitches an inning.


Today's Lineups

MIAMI MARLINS TAMPA BAY RAYS
Dee Gordon - 2B John Jaso - LF
Christian Yelich - CF Steven Souza - RF
Martin Prado - 3B Evan Longoria - 3B
Justin Bour - 1B Grady Sizemore - DH
Marcell Ozuna - RF Asdrubal Cabrera - SS
Derek Dietrich - LF James Loney - 1B
J.T. Realmuto - C J.P. Arencibia - C
Casey McGehee - DH Kevin Kiermaier - CF
Miguel Rojas - SS Nick Franklin - 2B
Jarred Cosart - RHP Drew Smyly - LHP


Casey McGehee plugs in at DH and bats 8th for the Marlins tonight.

Notes:

- I just wanted to give a quick shout-out to Michael and Scott for bringing me on board this season. I enjoyed re-capping games this year (even if we didn't always get the desired outcome) and look forward to doing so in 2016.

Bold Prediction: Marlins beat Rays 2-1.