Cubs at Marlins
The Chicago Cubs and Miami Marlins have wound up seeing even more of each another than they expected in their season-opening four-game series. After working extra innings for two straight games, the teams wrap up the set Sunday in Miami.
The Marlins prevailed in a 17-inning marathon on Friday, but the Cubs returned the favor the following day by winning 10-6 in 10 frames and taking a 2-1 advantage in the series. Chicago’s bullpen continued its outstanding work in the series and has allowed only two runs in 22 innings. Miami’s relievers didn’t fare as well, as closer Brad Ziegler was tagged for four runs in his second frame. Derek Dietrich hit the Marlins’ first home run of the season Saturday, while the Cubs have belted five shots in the first three games.
TV: 1:10 p.m. ET, NBCS Chicago Plus, FS Florida (Miami)
PITCHING MATCHUP: Cubs LH Jose Quintana (2017: 11-11, 4.15 ERA) vs. Marlins LH Dillon Peters (2017: 1-2, 5.17)
Quintana got off to a rocky beginning last season before turning things around and going 7-3 with a 3.74 ERA in 14 starts after being acquired from the White Sox. The 29-year-old has been a slow starter in his career, as he is 8-8 with a 4.02 ERA in 25 starts before the month of May. Quintana never has faced the Marlins.
Peters was sent to minor-league camp before getting the call to join the rotation following Dan Straily’s injury. The 25-year-old had command issues during a September call-up last year, issuing 19 walks and hitting two batters in 31 1/3 innings, and his control was a problem again this spring. Peters was excellent in three starts at Marlins Park, however, going 1-1 with a 1.53 ERA in 17 2/3 frames.
WALK-OFFS
1. The Cubs have homered in each of the first three games and will try to do so for four straight to start a season for the first time since 2009.
2. Marlins 2B Starlin Castro is 0-for-14 with three strikeouts against Quintana.
3. Dietrich has been hit by a pitch three times in the series and 74 times in his career - most in franchise history.