- Philadelphia
- Florida - 4 Games Back
- Atlanta - 4.5 Games Back
Wild Card Standings
- San Francisco ---
- Colorado ---
- *St. Louis ---
- Chicago - 2.0 Games Back
- Florida - 3.0 Games Back
- Atlanta - 3.5 Games Back
* Denotes the N.L. Central Leader
"Marlins Back On Track"
After a disappointing series where they were swept by the Washington Nationals, the Marlins bounced back to sweep the division-leading Philadelphia Phillies at Citizens Bank Park. It was a bit odd to see the Fish get dismantled by their least menacing rivals and fire back in their next series to secure a series sweep over their most formidable foes. Nonetheless, the Marlins ensured that their playoff hopes stay within reach.
This trend of "Sweep or Be Swept" is a trend the Marlins have followed in recent times. First it was at the end of June that Florida swept the Orioles and Nationals and were swept by the Rays. Then mid-July comes around and they drop three games to Philly and get back three more from the Padres. Now, we see a striking resemblance in early August with the past two series that have been played.
Ricky Nolasco continued to show that he is still the same pitcher from last year. The Marlins are 4-0 in his last 4 starts and he is averaging 7.5 strickout during that time frame. Sean West made his return from the minors on Saturday and he pitched well. Hes was not credited for the win after he failed to complete the minimum 5 innings of work needed. Josh Johnson was able to continue his success as the Ace of the team and captured his 11th win on Sunday. He only allowed one earned run, four base hits and struck out six Phillies batters.
Beyond the stats and numbers, we can say that Florida took advantage of the opportunity they had by closing out all three games in Philadelphia and putting the pressure on the division leaders. It's as if they made a gesture to the Phillies stating, "Hey, we're still here and you'll need to deal with us until the very end."
Series Recap
- Game 1: Florida 3, Philadelphia 2 (W)
- Game 2: Florida 6, Philadelphia 4 (W)
- Game 3: Florida 12, Philadelphia 3 (W)
Games to Follow
- Houston vs. Florida - The Marlins return home for a 4 game series versus the Houston Astros. The Fish have won the last five meeting at Land Shark Stadium. The Astros are coming to town plagued by injuries. Starting pitchers Roy Oswalt and Wandy Rodriguez are both out with lower body injuries and Lance Berkman is out with a calf injuries. Starting Pitcher Mike Hampton went down with a sprained right me on Saturday and is questionable for his next start which land on Thursday at the Shark Tank. The Astros are coming off their first series win since July 20. The Marlins are looking to continue pushing towards a playoff berth. Florida's starting pitchers rebounded from a horribble series in which they posted a 7.74 ERA and combined for a . 2.64 ERA.
- Philadelphia vs. Chicago - Philadelphia will have Monday off while Chicago finishes a 4 games series with Colorodo. Pedro Martinez is expected to make his debut sometime this week. A move that will send Jamie Moyer to the bullpen if not the minors. Chicago lost it's N.L. Central lead to St. Louis over the weekend along with their ace, Carlos Zambrano. Philadelphia plays 13 of their next 16 games on the road, a place where they are a Major League best 32-19. One thing is for sure, if Kevin Greg continues to pitch the way he is, the Phillies have a great opportunity to win games from behind.
Notables Games
- Washington vs. Atlanta
- Cincinnati vs. St. Louis
- Pittsburgh vs. Colorado
- Los Angeles vs. San Francisco
Florida Marlins: The Hunt for October will come to you at the beginning of each series as long as the Marlins stay in contention. They will be in the playoffs this year, so we will be keeping you updated with the series recaps and previews until October.
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