The Chicago Cubs (28-39) and Miami Marlins (35-33) will close out their season series with a three-game midweek set in Miami this week.
Less than two weeks ago, the Cubs snapped the Marlins' four-game winning streak by taking two of three at Wrigley Field. All three starting pitchers for the Cubs tossed strong outings and will look to recreate that success.
Marlins right-hander Tom Koehler's ERA has risen from 1.99 to 3.68 since May 17. Over six starts during that span, he has allowed an average of 3.7 runs. Command has been an issue with 22 walks. Righty Jason Hammel pitched seven scoreless frames in the opener in Chicago, but it was decided in extras when Anthony Rizzo blasted a two-run walk-off homer in the 13th.
Jeff Samardzija will once again start the middle game. He earned the victory last time, giving up two runs on five hits in seven innings. Righty Jacob Turner has given up four runs or more in seven of nine starts, but has won two of four.
In the finale, righty Nathan Eovaldi will return from the paternity list after the birth of his first child. Against the Cubs, he went 4 2/3 perfect frames and gave up three runs on six hits in 7 2/3. Righty Jake Arrieta will counter. Although he didn't surrender a run in six innings and scattered just three hits, the bullpen blew the lead as the Marlins salvaged the series.
Despite an 8-6 record this month, Chicago is percentage points away from the worst record in the National League. Although Miami has dropped five of eight, the club sits a half game out of first in the NL East.
Here's a look at the upcoming Cubs-Marlins series ...
SCHEDULE AND PROBABLE PITCHERS
WHO'S HOT
SS Starlin Castro (Cubs): Castro has a modest four-game hitting streak in which he is 6-for-14 (.429) with two runs, a homer and three RBI. He is batting .333 over his past 10 games.
3B Casey McGehee (Marlins): McGehee leads all NL third basemen with a .309 average and 43 RBI. He went 3-for-4 with all three RBI in Miami's 3-2 comeback win in 10 innings on Sunday. He has a 10-game hit streak, one shy of his career high.
WHO'S NOT
C John Baker (Cubs): The former Marlin is hitless in seven of his 10 games this month, going 3-for-29 (.103) with no runs, no homers and just one RBI. He has struck out 11 times and walked twice.
C Jeff Mathis (Marlins): Since taking over starting duties with Jarrod Saltalmacchia on the disabled list with a concussion, Mathis is 3-for-30 (.100) with two runs and one RBI. His average has dropped from .279 to .214.
STORYLINES
12: Saves for the Cubs, second fewest in the majors (fewest in NL)
4: RBI for Anthony Rizzo in the series opener June 6 against Miami
20: Stolen bases for the Marlins, fewest in the NL
.077: Average (1-for-13) for Giancarlo Stanton during the three-game set in Chicago
QUOTE BOARD
"We talk about it almost every night. These guys don't ever quit, never give up. They keep grinding, they're great teammates, they support each other. A.J. (Ramos) getting out of that jam was big and momentum-turning not just because of the situation but guys were like, 'OK, let's go. Let's win this thing right now.'" -- Manager Mike Redmond on his club's short-term memory and ability to come back like it did on Sunday.
"I feel bad for him sometimes because he's going up there with his plan of attack of what he's going to do and it's all for naught. I think we've had one time where I thought they were going to walk him and they pitched to him. If I can get a handful of those a year I feel we'll be better for it as a team because I'll take my chances with him up there any time." -- Casey McGehee on clubs intentionally walking Giancarlo Stanton to face him in the cleanup spot
"I told Redmond, 'I don't feel good, but I don't want to get out of here. I wanted that at-bat.'" -- Rafael Furcal on remaining for his leadoff at-bat in the 10th inning after a foul tip hit off his left knee. He would go on to single. Pinch-runner Ed Lucas would go on to score the winning run.
PROMOTIONS & GIVEAWAYS
June 16 -- South Florida Heroes Monday; All You Can Eat Special; Monday Madness group offer
June 17 -- Half Price Tuesday
June 18 -- Camp Day #1; Chevron Crazy 8's Wednesday; Businessperson Special group offer
LOOKING AHEAD
June 19-22 -- Mets at Marlins
You can follow Christina De Nicola on Twitter @CDeNicola13 or email her at cdenicola13@gmail.com.
