Backs to the wall, Phillies look for one final stand against Marlins

For the fans that attended Phillies games over the past few days, the only heating up they witnessed was from the blowtorches used to dry the fields. After a devastating series sweep at the hands of the Washington Nationals, the Phillies welcome the Marlins back to Citizens Bank. It’s not hyperbole to say that these three games are all must wins, as the Phillies currently sit 7.5 games behind the Braves with 17 regular seasons contests left.

Zach Eflin, Vince Velasquez and Jake Arrieta all get the ball against Miami, although the trio have had their share of recent struggles. However, the key to victory may very well fall on the offense. All three of the Marlins starters in the series have ERAs above 4.40. For a team that has scored only one run in six of its past 12 games, an offensive surge is sorely needed, and these matchups could represent the perfect opportunity to get back on track. 

The Phillies have a record of 9-7 against Miami in 2018, although the Marlins took two of three in their most recent faceoff at the start of September. It’s now or never if the Phillies want to see October baseball and break the playoff drought that is now going on year seven.

Matchups:
Game 1:
Friday, Sept. 14th, 7:05 p.m.
Zach Eflin (9-7, 4.42 ERA, 3.86 FIP) vs Wei-Yin Chen (6-10, 4.72 ERA, 4.46 FIP)
TV: NBC Sports Philadelphia
Radio: Sports Radio 94 WIP

Game 2:
Saturday, Sept. 15th, 7:05 p.m.
Vincent Velasquez (9-11, 4.30 ERA, 3.72 FIP) vs Elieser Hernandez (2-7, 5.34 ERA, 5.25 FIP)
TV: NBC Sports Philadelphia
Radio: Sports Radio 94 WIP

Game 3:
Sunday, Sept. 16th, 1:35 p.m.
Jake Arrieta (10-9, 3.66 ERA, 4.22 FIP) vs Jose Urena (5-12, 4.41 ERA, 4.13 FIP)
TV: NBC Sports Philadelphia
Radio: 1210 WPHT

Series Notes

1. On August 2nd, the Phillies had a 59% chance of making the playoffs. They now have a 1% chance as of September 14th. 
2. In three games started against Miami this year, Velasquez carries a 2.08 ERA in 17 innings pitched, with 19 strikeouts. Velasquez has held Marlins batters to an average of .177.
3. The Marlins haven’t hit well at Citizens Bank Park either this season. They’ve managed a meager .179 average and have scored 16 runs in seven games.
4. Due to a collision from diving for a foul ball, Maikel Franco was out during the series finale against Washington with a shoulder and neck injury. He should be day-to-day going forward, with Asdrubal Cabrera seeing playing time at third.
5. After they face the Marlins, the Phillies will have 10 divisional games left: three against the Mets, and seven against the Braves, who magic number to clinch the National League East is now 10.

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