The Miami Marlins are set to conclude their four-game series, along with their seven-game season series, against the Colorado Rockies on Thursday afternoon in Colorado. Both teams find themselves in the basement of their respective divisions, the National League East and the National League West, with the grim prospect of nearing 100 losses this season. The anticipated pitching duel will showcase Marlins’ right-hander Valente Bellozo (2-2, 3.35 ERA) facing Rockies’ righty Bradley Blalock (1-0, 3.06 ERA). Fans can expect the first pitch at 3:10 PM EST.
Bellozo Takes the Mound for Miami
The Miami Marlins are trudging toward the season’s end, with fewer than 30 games remaining and firmly planted in last place in the National League East. After trading away several seasoned players at the deadline, the Marlins are bracing for another uncertain offseason, aiming for a return to playoff contention by 2025. The series against the Rockies has been a rollercoaster, with both teams splitting the first two games. Tuesday night saw a dramatic comeback for the Marlins, scoring five runs in the 9th inning to overturn an 8-4 deficit. However, on Wednesday, Marlins’ starter Max Meyer struggled, giving up five hits and five runs over five innings, while the team managed only six hits and two runs, resulting in a loss to the Rockies.
In the series finale, Miami will rely on righty Valente Bellozo. He has stepped up since the All-Star break, filling in for injured pitchers. Bellozo holds a 2-2 record with a 3.35 ERA and a WHIP of 1.25 across seven starts. He has allowed 34 hits in 37.2 innings, striking out 28 while walking 13. Notably, he has surrendered six home runs this season. His last outing was a challenging one, as he was unable to contain the Cubs, allowing seven hits and six runs, including three home runs, in just 4.2 innings pitched.
Key Injuries: RP Josh Simpson, SP Ryan Weathers, SP Braxton Garrett, RF Dane Myers, SP Sixto Sanchez, and SP Jesus Luzardo are currently sidelined.
Blalock Aims to Stabilize Rockies’ Rotation
The Colorado Rockies are on a trajectory toward a challenging season, potentially hitting the 100-loss mark. This comes after a prolonged effort to regain competitiveness following the departure of several key veterans. Currently, the Rockies sit 30 games behind the leading Dodgers in the NL West and also occupy the last place in their division. They managed to win the first game of this series 3-2 but faltered in game two, blowing a four-run lead and losing their fifth out of six encounters with the Marlins. Despite this setback, the Rockies bounced back on Wednesday, with second baseman Aaron Schunk hitting a home run and finishing 2-for-3 in the game.
Looking to clinch the series with a victory, the Rockies will turn to righty Bradley Blalock. Blalock has made a positive impression since his arrival from Milwaukee, boasting a 1-0 record in four appearances this season, with a 3.06 ERA and a WHIP of 1.42. He has given up 17 hits across 17.2 innings, striking out 11 and walking eight. Notably, he has allowed only one home run to date. In his last start, Blalock showcased his skills in a 9-2 win over the Yankees, where he pitched 5.1 innings, allowing five hits and two runs while striking out five batters.
Key Injuries: SP Dakota Hudson, SP Case Williams, OF Zac Veen, and RF Kris Bryant are currently out.
Best Bets for Miami Marlins vs. Colorado Rockies
Bradley Blalock has demonstrated solid performance since joining the Rockies. In his only start at home in Colorado, he managed to limit scoring, allowing just one run in the thin air. In contrast, Valente Bellozo has struggled with home runs this season, allowing six in seven games, which could be problematic in the high-altitude environment of Colorado. Bellozo’s recent outing against the Cubs, where he allowed three home runs, raises concerns about his command. The Rockies tend to perform better offensively at home, averaging nearly an additional run per game in their home stadium. Given Blalock’s recent success, it is likely that the Rockies will extend their winning streak against the Marlins.
Consider placing a bet on Colorado with the money line.
