Florida Marlins (36-45) at Texas Rangers (43-39) Game 1 of 3 Preview (7:05pm CT)

Two teams going in opposite directions face each other in a rare Inter-league match-up. The Marlins who recently canned their manager and hired the 80 year-old Jack McKeon, are trying to turn the ship around. The Rangers coming off a successful series against the Houston Astros, lead the AL West by one game.

Pitching Matchups:

Anibal Sanchez RHP (6-1, 2.82 ERA) – Sanchez has had a solid season so far, he’s given the fish plenty of opportunities to win and they haven’t been able to get it done. For Texas fans who don’t get a chance to see Sanchez very often, his bread and butter is a low 90’s fastball which has some sink to it. He also has in his arsenal a sneaky change-up and an average slider.

Alexi Ogando RHP (7-3, 2.87 ERA) – After starting the season 7-0, opposing batters seem to have figured him out in his last three starts. Over those starts he is 0-3 with a 9.31 ERA. Local media has recently reported that his workload may be overwhelming the young righty, I look for this to be his last start until after the All-Star Game.

Players to Watch:

Keep an eye on Hanley Ramirez who can terrorize the base paths, he only has 14 swipes on the year but could go at a moment’s notice. Also watch 3^rd baseman Greg Dobbs who is batting an even .300 on the season, and Logan Morrison who is batting .266/.349/.468 with 30 RBI. Mike Stanton is another standout player on the team with 16 home runs and 44 RBI on the season.

For the Rangers I only have one player to watch, Elvis Andrus. The young speedster had an impressive return, after a couple days out due to a wrist injury. Last night Elvis was 2 for 3 with two stolen bases, he now has 24 on the season.

Prediction:

I’m afraid this may be another one of those series where the better team (Texas) can’t seem to get it done. My prediction is for Texas to win the opener in a close high-scoring game. Ranger 7 Marlins 5

First pitch is at 7:05pm

-Jonathan