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I demand a sweep, and so should you.
Pitching Match-up
Team | Starter | ERA | FIP | ZIPS Projected ERA |
ATL | Williams Perez | 3.86 | 4.00 | 4.38 |
MIA | Adam Conley | 3.02 | 2.36 | 2.77 |
The last time the Marlins faced Perez was the opening game of that fateful April sweep, though Perez himself did not help out his cause much, only lasting four and a third's innings, giving up three runs on eight hits, walking two and striking out a single batter. Since then he's had a stint in AAA where apparently he tweaked his mechanics. The results since he's returned have alternated between pretty good and not so great: One earned run over eight innings against Philadelphia, six earned runs over six innings against the Pirates, and no earned over six and a third's innings against the Phillies again. Hard to say which Perez we'll see today. Truthfully, the game's outcome probably depends more on which Marlins line-up decides to show up in Atlanta.
Conley easily had the worst outing of his season last Sunday against the Nationals, giving up six runs on seven hits while walking seven and fanning two. Obviously, when you give up seven walks, control is a serious issue, and he simply didn't have it that day. However, aside from back to back four walk outings in late April, Conley has largely been able to limit the free passes. Now if he can figure out how to put together some outings where he doesn't walk anyone at all, we'll be looking at a pitcher transitioning from good to great. If Conley never becomes more than what he is right now, well, that dog will still hunt.
Giancarlo Stanton and Christian Yelich both sit for the second straight day, a situation we'll have to monitor closely. We can't rightfully expect to trot out the journeyman Gillespie and 42 year old Ichiro! for more than a couple of days and continue to win.
On the flipside...not to pile on the Braves, but if you're batting Tyler Flowers 4th at any point in your season you are in some serious trouble.
Bold Prediction: Marlins take game one 6-1.