Miami @ Chicago preview
Wrigley Field
Last Meeting ( Sep 3, 2013 ) Miami 6, Chi. Cubs 2
The Friendly Confines of Wrigley Field have only been hospitable to visitors lately. The Chicago Cubs look to snap out of their funk at home and deny the Miami Marlins their fourth straight road victory when the teams conclude their three-game series Wednesday. Chicago has lost 19 of its last 24 home games, while the Marlins have matched their longest winning streak away from home this season.
Both clubs added reinforcements to their staffs on Tuesday, promoting several pitchers among their September call-ups, and they might need the extra arms as neither starter lasted beyond the fifth inning Tuesday. The Marlins' bullpen continued its stellar work with 4 2/3 hitless frames. Miami relievers have worked 7 2/3 scoreless innings in the series, allowing only one hit.
TV: 2:20 p.m. ET, FSN Florida (Miami), CSN (Chicago)
PITCHING MATCHUP: Marlins LH Brian Flynn (NR) vs. Cubs RH Jeff Samardzija (8-11, 4.13)
Flynn was surprised with a September call-up and the chance to make his major-league debut at Wrigley Field. The 23-year-old went a combined 7-12 with a 2.63 ERA with Double-A Jacksonville and Triple-A New Orleans. Flynn was a seventh-round pick out of Wichita State by the Detroit Tigers in the 2011 draft.
After winning two straight starts with strong performances, Samardzija was fortunate to avoid a loss his last time out. He was tagged for five runs on eight hits in 6 2/3 innings against Philadelphia but didn't factor in the decision. The 28-year-old is 2-1 with a 4.62 ERA in 12 career games (three starts) against the Marlins.
WALK-OFFS
1. The Marlins are seeking their first series sweep at Wrigley Field since taking three from the Cubs in 2007.
2. Miami LF Christian Yelich has recorded six hits over the first two games of the series. The rookie has five multi-hit efforts in his last seven contests and is 13-for-27 over that span.
3. Cubs SS Starlin Castro has hit safely in 10 of his last 11 games
PREDICTION: Cubs 5, Marlins 3