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The Marlins took game one in the latest installment of the Citrus Series last night, thanks to (among others) warlock/gifted batsman Ichiro Suzuki turning his second four hit performance in three games. They will look to edge closer to both their all time record against their fellow Floridians (presently 49-51) AND to their NL East brethren.
Bringing that delicious fresh, squeezed orange juice into your life will be Tom Koehler. Pimping that store brand frozen OJ is Jake Odorizzi.
Pitching Match-up
| Team | Starter | ERA | FIP | ZIPS Projected ERA |
| TB | Jake Odorizzi | 3.81 | 4.42 | 3.83 |
| MIA | Tom Koehler | 4.22 | 3.49 | 3.37 |
Odorizzi picked up his first win of the season against the Blue Jays this past Wednesday (though it had more to do with the Rays pounding the Jays for 30 runs in that series). Odorizzi's surface numbers look respectable enough but he's running a 78.8% strand rate, so he's probably due for some slight regression. He should probably just be a good neighbor and start now.
Koehler's objective today will be to limit the issuing of free passes, something which he has failed to do consistently. Dating back to August of last year he has allowed four walks in six starts and five walks in four starts, including his last outing, a loss against the Phillies. As the Rays are not known for their on base skills (.305 collectively puts them at 23rd in baseball), Koehler has a better chance then usual of making that happen.
Bour back in at first base, batting third. Dietrich back in at second base, batting sixth.
Notes
- Ichiro sits at 2,960 hits in his career, 40 shy of the coveted 3,000 hit mark.
Bold Prediction: Marlins take game two, 5-2.