Game 51 Thread: Marlins vs. Pirates

One of the best offenses in the game steps foot in Marlins Park today as the Pirates come into town for a four game stretch to close out May and open up June. If nothing else, this series will be a nice showcase of two of the best outfields in the game, both up at the dish and out on the grass with the gloves. Let's hope that most of them are healthy enough to play through it all.

Captaining the Pirate ship today will be Jeff Locke, poking holes in the hull from beneath the waves will be Justin Nicolino.

Pitching Match-up

Locke has had exactly one outing this year where he didn't give up a run, a six inning effort against the Rockies in Colorado of all places. He is hittable. Hit him, Marlins.

Nicolino struck out a career high six batters in his start against the Rays this last go round, though he also gave up three runs on eight hits in five and two third's innings (one walk). The Marlins would probably like to see him stretch it out a bit further than usual in this one and save the pen for the remaining games of the series, but that's going to be tough sledding against this Pirates lineup.

Derek Dietrich is day to day after the foul ball incident, so Rojas will play second and bat eighth. Hech is back in the lineup and will lead off. Realmuto back in at catcher, batting fifth. Johnson in to face the lefty, batting sixth. Finally, Gillespie spells Giancarlo Stanton who continues to be troubled by soreness.

Bold Prediction: Marlins take game one, 5-4.