Twins-Marlins Series Preview

Apr 13, 2013; Miami, FL, USA; Miami Marlins right fielder Giancarlo Stanton (27) sits in the dugout during the first inning against the Philadelphia Phillies at Marlins Park. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports

After having their fourth game postponed in eight games, the Twins (8-7) will make up yesterday’s interleague game against the Marlins (4-15) and rookie manager Mike Redmond as the second half of a doubleheader at 7:10 today, concluding the season series. The first game of the doubleheader will be played at 1:10 this afternoon.

Kevin Correia will face off in the early game against  20-year-old Jose Fernandez, who allowed one run over his first two starts before being torched for five in four innings in his most-recent outing. The rookie righty averages more than a strikeout per inning of work. Correia has been incredibly consistent–and consistently good–in his first three starts of the season: he has pitched 7, 7.1 and 7 innings while allowing 7, 8 and 8 hits, respectively, as well as one walk in each start.

Owners of the worst record in baseball, the Marlins offense has been anemic, ranking dead last in runs, batting, on-base and slugging percentage. Meanwhile, opposing hitters are batting .276 against Miami pitching and their starters have given them just eight quality starts.

Mike Pelfrey will start the night game against Ricky Nolasco. The Marlins have scored just four runs in Nolasco’s four starts spanning 23.1 innings.

The Twins are sitting above .500 and within a game of first place in the Central. Aaron Hicks has walked six times in the past four games after taking three free passes in his first ten starts.

If you liked reading this, tweet it: traffic helps pay my bills. You can follow me here, and like us on Facebook here.