Jun/060
Marlins @ Orioles Preview, 7:05 PM EST
Every year in Spring Training, the Marlins square off numerous times againt the Orioles in Grapefruit League action. Starting Tuesday, the contests will be for real. The Marlins travel to Camden Yards for the first time since the 2000 season when they take on the Orioles in Interleague Play. The rookie-loaded Marlins are riding an eight-game winning streak, one shy of the franchise record set twice before. Over their last 24 games, the Marlins have won 18 times. The hot streak has vaulted them from being 11-31 on May 21 to now eight games under .500.
In Baltimore, the Marlins face another hard-hitting team. But the young Marlins’ pitching staff has surprisingly held strong against some tough lineups the past three weeks. In sweeping the Blue Jays, the Marlins allowed four runs in three games to the team that entered the series with the most runs scored in the Major Leagues. Baltimore has its share of firepower, with stars like Miguel Tejada and Melvin Mora. Marlins manager Joe Girardi, formerly the Yankees bench coach, is well aware of the Orioles’ punch. Camden Yards is a hitter-friendly park, making it more challenging for the Florida pitchers.
“They are a very explosive offensive club,” Girardi said. “They are a little bit like [Toronto]. They’ve got power. Everyone knows who Miguel Tejada is. Melvin Mora is one of the best kept secrets. It’s a tough club.”
Pitching Probables
Tuesday, June 20 Oriole Park at Camden Yards | 7:05 PM ET
FLA Dontrelle Willis, LHP (3-6, 4.39) @ BAL Daniel Cabrera, RHP (4-3, 4.17)
Scouting Report:
Willis didn’t have his dominant stuff in his last start, but he still was able to battle for seven innings, giving up five runs to Atlanta. The D-Train wasn’t involved in the decision. Willis has been victimized by the long ball of late, giving up five home runs in his last four starts. On the road, the 24-year-old left-hander is 2-2 with a 2.44 ERA. With 49 career wins, Willis is tied with A.J. Burnett for the most victories in Marlins’ history.
Cabrera has been consistently dominant since returning from the disabled list, notching a 2-1 record and a 1.59 ERA in his last three starts. The right-hander has allowed 13 hits in his last 18 innings, and he’s kept his walk problems to a minimum. Cabrera and Kris Benson are the only Baltimore starters with an ERA over 5.00.
Up Next:
• Thursday: Marlins (LHP Scott Olsen, 6-3, 4.70) at Orioles (RHP Kris Benson, 8-5, 4.32), 7:05 p.m. ET
• Friday: Marlins (RHP Brian Moehler, 5-5, 6.29) at Yankees (TBA), 7:05 p.m. ET
On the Internet
•
MLB.TV•
Gameday Audio• Gameday
• Official game notes
On television
• FSN
On radio
• 560 WQAM, WQBA 1140 (Spanish) (Español)
Where to Chat?!?
• Marlinbaseball.com
• SporTech Matter Comments
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