The Miami Marlins will try and continue their playoff push with a four-game series against the Philadelphia Phillies beginning on Tuesday.
The Phillies have the worst record in baseball, while the Marlins are only 6.5 games back in the Wild Card standings. This series could be a pivotal one, as Miami as struggled against losing teams at times. Due to a postponement earlier this season, the series will begin with a doubleheader.
Miami has won three series in a row and will need to continue that trend. With 40 games remaining, it is likely that the Marlins will need wins in at least 25 of them. The Marlins have games remaining against the Wild Card leaders, but could still end up needing help as well.
Tuesday's first game will feature Dan Straily on the mound for Miami. Straily enters the game with a 3.80 E.R.A to go along with his 7-8 record. The right-hander has not allowed more than three runs in a start since July 25th in Arlington.
In the nightcap, it will be Jose Urena's turn to take the mound. Miami's win-leader will be looking for his 12th victory of the season. Urena has a sparkling 3.61 E.R.A to go along with his 11-5 mark. In a season that has been filled with mostly stories of offense, Urena has given the Marlins a consistent arm every fifth day.
Wednesday's game will be started by Justin Nicolino. Since returning from AAA, Nicolino has turned in two fine efforts. The lefty has allowed only two runs in his 10.1 innings of work. Those starts have lowered Nicolino's E.R.A to 4.11 and they were also his first wins of the season.
Thursday's series finale will be Vance Worley's assignment. Worley previously played for the Phillies and has been one of Miami's better arms recently. After a slow start to the season, Worley has allowed six total runs in his last four starts combined.
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The first pitch of Tuesday's doubleheader will be thrown at 4:05 p.m.
