Chicago @ Miami preview

Last Meeting ( Apr 26, 2013 ) Chi. Cubs 4, Miami 2

The Miami Marlins enter their game Saturday against the visiting Chicago Cubs with one distinction they’d rather not own. They are the only major league team that hasn’t won two in a row this season. The Cubs were in that class as well until winning the first two games of this series. Anthony Rizzo stepped up in a big way Friday, hitting a pair of two-run homers that were the difference in the 4-2 victory. His eight home runs in April are the most by a left-handed hitter in franchise history.

Chicago’s starting pitching has been the team's strong suit this season. Its starters have limited opponents to a .213 batting average and .628 OPS percentage. The Marlins need someone to step up offensively. They don’t have anyone hitting better than .288 and have combined for seven home runs, one less than Rizzo. Rookie first baseman Joe Mahoney gave the Marlins something to cheer about Friday, hitting his first career home run.

TV: 7:10 p.m. ET, Comcast SportsNet Chicago

PITCHING MATCHUP: Cubs LH Travis Wood (1-1, 2.08 ERA) vs. Marlins RH Alex Sanabia (2-2, 5.09)

Wood has been remarkably consistent this season, lasting at least six innings and allowing two earned runs or fewer in all four starts. Based on those numbers, it’s surprising Wood doesn’t have a better won-loss record, but either his offense or bullpen hasn’t been as sharp on the days he has pitched. He’s not alone in that department, however. Chicago right-hander Carlos Villanueva has a 1.53 ERA in four starts, but one win to show for it, and fellow starter Jeff Samardzija is 1-4 despite a 3.03 ERA. The Marlins have roughed Wood up like no other team in his four-year career. He is 0-2 against Miami with a 16.88 ERA.

Sanabia is among three Miami starters trying to remain in the rotation as right-hander Henderson Alvarez nears his return from a shoulder injury. One way for Sanabia to lessen his chances of getting bumped would be throwing more strikes. Sanabia has walked 14 batters and hit three in 23 innings this season, compared to 11 strikeouts. He issued a career-high five walks in his last start, a 10-6 loss Sunday against the Cincinnati Reds. Sanabia made his only appearance against the Cubs in 2010, pitching well enough to win but coming up short in the 2-0 loss.

WALK-OFFS

1. The Cubs are second in the major leagues with six blown saves

2. Cubs 3B Cody Ransom is 4-for-9 with a home run since he was acquired off waivers from the San Diego Padres. He was 0-for-11 in five games with San Diego.

3. Marlins 2B Donovan Solano is 5-for-11 in the last three games to boost his average to .256


PREDICTION: Cubs 5, Marlins 2