Game 52 Thread: Marlins vs. Pirates

Despite Jeff Locke's effort last night, the Pirates' actual ace, Gerrit Cole, will be squaring off with Jose Fernandez in a big-time pitching duel tonight. The Marlins are looking to recover after getting rocked on both sides of the ball in the series opener.

Pitching Matchup

Tonight, the Fish will be riding the hotter-than-hot Fernandez, who has won his last six starts, with 58 (!) k's over those 38 innings. Cole is boasting five wins and a stellar 2.53 ERA to start the season, however he's also boasting a career-high walk rate teamed with a career-low strikeout rate. These Marlins are also slashing a combined .293/.302/.463 in 82 plate appearances against him.

Derek Dietrich is back at second after a foul ball caused him to sit out the opener. Martin Prado is getting the day off at third and will be spelled by Chris Johnson, who's batting seventh. Ichiro will replace Giancarlo Stanton, who's missing his seventh straight game, and will continue the run to 3000 in the lead off spot. John Jaso is back in for the Pirates with a righty on the mound and Jordy Mercer starts at short after a night off.

Notes

• After getting three-hit last night, the Marlins could be in for another rough outing. Cole comes into this one allowing only one earned run in his past three starts
• No official word yet, but after sporting the white & camo Memorial Day jerseys the Marlins will probably be wearing their black sets tonight, because they can't seem to go more than one game without wearing that depressing getup.

Bold Prediction: Marlins come out victorious in a 2-0 pitching masterpiece.