Miami Marlins vs. Philadelphia Phillies Wild Card Series Preview

The Miami Marlins are back in the playoffs for the first time since 2020, when they lost in the NLDS. The Phillies are back in the playoffs for the second consecutive season as they look to return to the World Series. The Marlins won a key series against the Pirates to end the season to clinch a playoff spot. In comparison, the Phillies had a playoff spot clinched early and were locked into the fourth seed. This season, head-to-head saw the Marlins win seven of the 13 games against the Phillies, but the Phillies outscored the Marlins 64-55.

Miami Marlins (84-77) vs. Philadelphia Phillies (90-72)

Game 1:

Date: Tuesday, October 3
Time: 8:08 pm EST
Broadcast: ESPN

Game 2:

Date: Wednesday, October 4
Time: 8:08 pm EST
Broadcast: ESPN

Game 3: If Necessary

Date: Wednesday, October 5
Time: TBD
Broadcast: ESPN

Probable Starting Pitchers

Game 1: Jesus Luzardo (10-9, 3.63 ERA) vs. Zack Wheeler (13-6, 3.61 ERA)

Jesus Luzardo will start the series for the Marlins. In his last five starts, he is 1-1 with a 3.68 ERA, a 1.23 WHIP, a 10.1 K/9, and a 33:11 strikeout-to-walk ratio. In his career against the Phillies, he is 3-0 in five starts, posting a 3.26 ERA, a 1.09 WHIP, and an 11.0 K/9.

Zack Wheeler will get the ball to start the series for the Phillies. In his last five starts, he is 3-0 with a 3.54 ERA, a 1.14 WHIP, an 8.7 K/9, and a 27:9 strikeout-to-walk ratio. In his career against the Marlins, he is 10-4 in 22 starts with a 2.48 ERA, a 1.04 WHIP, and a 9.8 K/9.

Game 2: Braxton Garrett (9-7, 3.66 ERA) vs. Aaron Nola (12-9, 4.46 ERA)

Braxton Garrett will get game two for the Marlins. Garrett is 2-2 in his last five starts with a 2.10 ERA, a 1.01 WHIP, a 7.4 K/9, and a 21:8 strikeout-to-walk ratio. In his career against the Phillies, he is 2-1 in five starts with a 4.50 ERA, a 1.54 WHIP, and a 7.1 K/9.

26.1

Aaron Nola will get the ball for the Phillies. In his last five starts, he is 0-1 with a 5.47 ERA, a 1.37 WHIP, a 9.6 K/9, and a 28:4 strikeout-to-walk ratio. His career against the Marlins is 5-10 in 23 starts with a 3.58 ERA, a 1.08 WHIP, and a 9.9 K/9.

Game 3: TBD vs. TBD

Neither team has announced a starter for game three if it is needed.

Marlins vs. Phillies Batting Leaders

Key for the Miami Marlins

Offense

The Marlins offense has no quit in it, and when they’re down, they are never out of it. The Marlins have succeeded against Nola when they have faced him, but the key will be getting to Zack Wheeler in Game One. Miami will also get their top hitter back in Luis Arraez, which will give them a boost and could help them find their way to steal this series and advance to the NLDS.

Key for the Philadelphia Phillies

Pitching

The Phillies have big names in their lineup: Bryce Harper, Trea Turner, Kyle Schwarber, and JT Realmuto. Still, they will have their best arms going in game one and two of this series, and they will need them to perform the way they have this season if they want to advance by this scrappy Marlins team and advance to the NLDS.