Series Preview: Phillies at Marlins

The Miami Marlins will be looking to end a six-game losing streak when they host the Philadelphia Phillies this weekend at Marlins Park.

Miami is 45-81 on the year and it has only won four times in August. The Marlins took five of six from the Phillies in June, but they have struggled in all areas recently. The Phillies are in fourth place in the National League East, but are only two games back in the Wild Card standings.

Hector Noesi's first three starts this year and have been rough and things may not get any easier on Friday. Noesi is 0-3 with a 9.39 E.R.A in three starts and Philadelphia has one of the tougher lineups in baseball. The veteran has allowed two home runs in each of his starts, after having a solid season with AAA New Orleans.

Jordan Yamamoto will bring a 4.31 E.R.A into Saturday's start. The right-hander has ran into the same home run problem as Noesi recently. Yamamoto has also allowed two home runs in each of his last three outings and Miami has lost all of those games. Yamamoto has served up at least one home run in six consecutive starts, after allowing none in his first six appearances.

Elieser Hernandez has had his ups and downs in 2019 and his next appearance is scheduled for Sunday. Hernandez will bring a 2-5 record and a 5.18 E.R.A. into the start, after lasting only four innings his last time out. The 24-year old is 1-0 against the Phillies this season, but he has allowed three home runs in his 10.2 innings against them.

Jorge Alfaro has done a solid job against his former club this season and will try to continue that success in this series. Alfaro is hitting .400 with a pair of home runs and four runs batted in against the Phillies this season. Alfaro's work against Philadelphia is noteworthy, as the catcher is hitting only .255 overall in 2019.

J.T. Realmuto has not enjoyed the same success Alfaro has against his former club. The former Marlin is batting only .220 against Miami this season, with 14 strikeouts in 41 at-bats.