The Marlins were embarrassed by the Braves on the road this weekend (0-3), but were very good in previous action, winning 6 of 7 games. They allowed an average of just 2 runs per game over that stretch. They are 25-16 at home, facing a Cards team that are 5 games below .500 on the road. Cards' right-hander Mikolas has an ERA of over 6.00 in his last three appearances, with more poor than quality starts in June. Mikolas gives up more hits than one would care to see; opposing batters hit .325 against him last month He will face Miami starter Garrett Braxton, one of the better young lefties in June. He has given up just 4 runs in 4 appearances, with a very fine 13-1 K to walk ratio.
The Cards offense has picked up, but they are giving up a pretty hefty surplus in runs allowed to runs scored/L7 games. Miami can't claim the same level of offense, but they are hitting well for average over the last two weeks, and give up 3 less runs-allowed per game/L7 compared to St Louis.Garrett is a fine pitcher of late and also gets run support. The Marlins have won the last 7 of Garrett's starts, scoring 5 or more runs in all but a single game. Take Miami to play with a little more urgency after being swept. Take the Marlins to win. 10*!