Miami left-handed starting pitcher Dillon Peters turned 25 on Thursday and made his Major League debut Friday.
He walked the Phillies’ leadoff batter and then, in his own words, “settled down.” He allowed just five more baserunners over seven innings, striking out eight. Had the Phillies gone scoreless in the ninth, he would have won 1-0 but they scored two instead and won, 2–1.
The offense has been a problem for the Marlins lately. Perhaps it has become too reliant on Giancarlo Stanton because whenever he homers is just about the only time the Marlins score. He’s homered in two of the last four games but they’ve both been solo pieces.
The Marlins have won just one of their last nine games and scored 1, 2, 1, 2, 0, 3 and 2 runs in the eight losses. They’ll see Gio Gonzalez tonight, who has pitched well against all four times he’s faced them (28 innings, 4 ER).
He’s pitched well all season. His ERA was never higher than it was on May 31 — 3.03. Right now, it’s 2.58 and he’s 13–6 because his last start was one of his worst all season; he gave up five runs in six innings. He had won his previous five starts.
Free Pick
I like Gio 1) because there hasn’t been anything not to like all season 2) he’s owned the Fish and 3) no one on the Marlins is really hitting. I’m setting Miami’s team total at 3.5, though with some extra juice on the over.
Thing is, the rookie has some spunk too. The Nationals aren’t bad like the Phillies but Bryce Harper is still far from returning and the rest of that lineup has either cooled or is still getting its timing back after some extended DL stints. I’m thinking Washington puts up four runs and has about an equal chance of going above or below that total.
So instead of playing the Nats for -120, I’ll take the under at a more affordable price.
Free Pick: Under 8.5 (-105)
Dillon Peters • Gio Gonzalez • miami marlins • washington nationals