Riding a shutout victory and a late-season surge, Miami turns to Janson Junk to stifle Pittsburgh’s bats and close the gap on the final National League wildcard spot.
MIAMI, Fla. – Coming off a shutout win, the Miami Marlins look to clinch the series over the Pittsburgh Pirates on Wednesday. In the midst of a three-game win streak, a return to the postseason remains within reach.
The Marlins are 2.5 games behind the San Diego Padres, who surpassed the Philadelphia Phillies for the last Wild Card spot in the National League.
Probable Pitchers
For the visiting Pirates, Carmen Mlodzinski is listed to take the mound. He’s produced a 3.51 ERA and a 6-4 record in 97.1 innings. Mlodzinski has been mixed as a starter (10 games) and reliever (26 games) throughout the season. He’s closed out four games, including a couple of saves.
Mlodzinski relies on seven pitches:
- Four Seamer (27.9 percent)
- Split Finger (26 percent)
- Sinker (17.3 percent)
- Curveball (11.1 percent)
- Sweeper (10.5 percent)
- Slider (4.2 percent)
- Cutter (three percent)
Janson Junk is listed as the Marlins’ probable pitcher. He’s produced a 4.63 ERA and a 5-7 record in 81.2 innings (16 starts). Although Junk sits below average in several statistical categories, including chase and strikeout rate (both 17th percentile), he doesn’t walk many batters (80th percentile).
The 30-year-old relies on six pitches:
- Four Seamer (36.7 percent)
- Slider (20.8 percent)
- Changeup (18.3 percent)
- Sweeper (13.4 percent)
- Curveball (6.8 percent)
- Sinker (4.1 percent)
Game Notes
In Tuesday’s win, the Marlins’ pitching staff allowed only four hits in 29 at-bats. The Pirates didn’t have a runner in scoring position for the whole game. If Junk and the bullpen can replicate that success on the mound, the Marlins will have a greater chance to clinch the series.
Griffin Conine’s transition to first base, as Kyle Stowers (10-day injured list) recovers from a left hamstring strain, could result in Esteury Ruiz seeing more time at right field. He scored both of the Marlins’ runs on Tuesday – via a solo homer and off a throwing error by Pirates shortstop Jacob Gonzalez. Ruiz was hit by Paul Skenes’ pitch, stole second, then easily returned to home plate.
The Marlins are 6-4 in the last 10 games.
How to Watch and Listen
Wednesday’s game will be televised on Marlins.TV and SportsNet Pittsburgh. For radio options, the Marlins audio broadcast will be on WQAM 104.3 and Pirates on Sports Radio 93.7 KDKA The Fan.
First pitch is scheduled for 6:40 p.m. E.T.
