MLB · Tue, Jul 28 · 6:40 PM

Phillies at Marlins

O/U 1.5 · RL Marlins -1.5

Gary's pick

Marlins ML-129

CONF 62%

Result

WCashedFinal 0-1

The read

The roof will be closed in Miami, and this rematch comes down to whether Aaron Nola can handle a Marlins lineup loaded with left-handed hitters. Miami finally snapped its long losing streak with Monday’s walk-off win, and Sandy Alcantara starts while trade rumors swirl around him.

I give Miami the clear edge in starting pitching. Alcantara has pitched deep into his recent starts and rarely allows hitters to make damaging contact. Nola has struggled, allowed too many runners, and both of his fastballs have been hit hard. That is a bad matchup against a Miami lineup filled with left-handed and switch hitters, especially since lefties have crushed him.

Philadelphia can still challenge Alcantara with Trea Turner and Bryce Harper, but Kyle Schwarber is out with an illness and J.T. Realmuto is also missing from the starting lineup. I do not trust Miami’s relief pitchers enough to bet on a comfortable win, but Alcantara can limit how much they are needed. I’ll take the Marlins to win.

The full analysis

The roof is closed in Miami, and Tuesday’s rematch centers on whether Aaron Nola can contain a left-handed Marlins stack. Miami finally ended its 12-game skid with Monday’s walk-off, and now Sandy Alcantara gets the ball with trade-deadline noise surrounding him.

The starting-pitching gap favors Miami. Alcantara owns a 3.77 xERA, has completed at least six innings in each of his past three starts and has allowed a low 5.6% barrel rate. Nola carries a 5.82 ERA and 1.45 WHIP, while both of his fastballs have allowed a .368 xwOBA. That is dangerous against a Miami lineup featuring seven left-handed or switch hitters, especially when lefties have produced an .881 OPS against him.

Philadelphia can threaten Alcantara through Trea Turner and Bryce Harper, but Kyle Schwarber’s same-day illness scratch thins the lineup, and J.T. Realmuto is also absent from the starting nine. Miami’s bullpen keeps me away from the run line, but Alcantara’s ability to work deep reduces that exposure. I’ll take the Marlins moneyline at -129.

Props on this game

4

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