Marlins vs. Cubs: Game 75 Thread

After giving the Chicago Cubs their fourth straight loss on Thursday, the Marlins coughed up game 2 on Friday night in the seventh inning. Today, at 4:10, they'll look to get back on track.

Although this may prove challenging. Paul Clemens makes his second start of the season for the Marlins after surrendering three solo home runs and seven hits in a loss to the Colorado Rockies on June 20th. He may not last much longer in the Marlins' rotation if the rumors about the front office probing the league for a starting pitcher are to be believed.

For the Cubs, veteran John Lackey (7-3) gets the start. He averages nearly seven strike-outs a game. He was less than spectacular in his last start against the St. Louis Cardinals in which he allowed three runs(two of them homers) on seven hits thru six innings, but overall he has been stellar on the season. In two career starts against the Marlins, he is 1-0 with a 1.80 ERA.

Pitching Matchup

Notes

-Giancarlo Stanton slides back into cleanup for Marcell Ozuna. Though Stanton was 0-3 last night, his batting average is up to .213.

-Ichiro is the obvious choice for leadoff. He has more PA(126), AB(119), and hits (36) against Lackey than any other pitcher in the Major Leagues.

Bold prediction: Ichiro climbs to 2,985 hits, but Marlins lose 6-2 to a Cubs team finding their groove again.